Christmas tree growers in Maine and around the world are seeing an unexpected boom in sales this year.
Maine Christmas Tree Association president Stephen Higgins says the demand for trees actually started before Thanksgiving, and many growers have sold out.
He says he suspects that the pandemic, which has been keeping families at home, has had a hand to play.
“I’m pretty sure that’s part of it. Along with this whole 2020 with our political situation. People are looking for something, a light at the end of the tunnel to make them feel good,” Higgins says.
According to a poll taken by the USDA’s Christmas tree marketing board in October, almost a quarter of respondents who had either an artificial tree or no tree at all last year said they would likely seek a live tree. Among reasons given was a desire create good memories, with people saying they planned to emphasize experiences this year, such as choosing and putting up a tree, over spending on other items.
A similar demand for trees is being seen in Canada and the UK.
