Expensive fir trees due to frost, drought, and increased costs

In the upcoming holiday season, consumers may find themselves paying a bit more for their Christmas trees, as the price increase is primarily due to general cost increases for producers rather than weather damage.

Christmas trees are typically bought as seedlings and spend their first years outside of plantations before being cared for in plantations for another ten years until they grow into about two-meter-high trees. The largest cultivation region is the Sauerland, but Christmas trees also thrive in other parts of Germany, such as Brandenburg and Bavaria.

However, this year, regions like Brandenburg and Bavaria have suffered significant damage to their Christmas tree plantations due to drought and frost. Operators in these regions have reported up to 40% loss of seedlings and delays in their development, with some operations even experiencing damage to ready-to-sell trees. To mitigate such damage, many operators have switched to planting young trees in the wetter autumn instead of spring.

Despite these weather-related issues, Zimmermann, from the Federal Association of Christmas Tree and Fresh Greenery Producers, stated that there are enough trees of good quality. He also emphasized that the industry is at the mercy of the weather, with weather conditions causing problems for upcoming Christmas trees, especially for young plants that haven't developed a strong root system yet.

To combat the drought, some operations have built water ponds to water their trees. The most popular Christmas tree has been the Nordmann fir for years, but blue spruces and exotics like Colorado spruces are also commonly used.

The price of Christmas trees varies regionally, with prices in big cities generally being more expensive than in rural areas. In response to the cost increases, the Federal Association of Christmas Tree and Fresh Greenery Producers has increased its price recommendation for a Nordmann fir by one euro, ranging from 23 to 30 euros per meter.

Despite the challenges, most of the trees sold in Germany come from domestic cultivation, according to the expert. So, while the price may be a bit higher this year, consumers can still look forward to enjoying a beautiful, locally grown Christmas tree this holiday season.