In recent years, climate and pandemic-related setbacks have altered the growth and supply of Christmas trees across the country. With an average-sized tree taking eight years to grow, it’s becoming harder for farmers to meet the steady demand for trees each holiday season.
Connecticut farmer John Dzen said he’s struggled to grow trees as fast as they’re being sold and as big as people want. Other farmers, like Louis Bacchiocchi, have coped with the ongoing shortage by sourcing wholesale trees from as far away as Canada.
Join reporter Brianna Benitez as she travels to nearby farms to learn more.
About the author(s)
Brianna Benitez is a student at the Columbia Journalism School.