Christmas
Association: Prices for self-cut trees are likely to rise
Many people don’t just want a Christmas tree – they want an experience. Beating yourself has become a trend. But one association warns: the supply is shrinking.
The Main Association of the German Wood Industry (HDH) expects higher prices for naturally grown Christmas trees that you can cut yourself in the forest. The reason for this is that “the area for the most popular types of Christmas trees to cut yourself” in German forests is shrinking, said the Association of the German Press Agency. At the same time, it is trendy to saw down the Christmas tree in the forest – with the consent of the forest owner – and transport it into your own living room.
Less area with “Christmas tree size” trees
“According to the Federal Forest Inventory, the regeneration area of the Christmas tree species fir and spruce has declined by around twelve percent in the past ten years – a total of almost 40,000 hectares,” explained HDH President Johannes Schwörer. This refers to areas where there are specimens of the two species that are no more than 20 years old. These are trees the size of “Christmas trees,” according to the association.
If this area becomes smaller, it will be more difficult for foresters and forest farmers to offer self-cutting. “With the tighter supply, prices are likely to rise,” explained President Schwörer.
dpa
Source: Stern
