As the holiday approaches, North Carolinians are paying more for live Christmas trees due to inflation.
N.C. State Forestry Specialist Jeff Owen says depending on where you go, the average cost for a live tree right now is $80 or more.
“Most places will probably see a five to maybe even as much as a 15 percent increase,” he said, “A lot of that is driven by just inflation and the cost of inputs to growing a Christmas tree.”
Owen adds those inputs, or factors causing inflation, could include the time for a tree to grow - which could take up to 10 years - and the reduction in tree farms throughout the state.
Owen says although it's a little costly, now is the best time to buy a tree instead of waiting closer to Christmas.