Christmas tree shortage as demand goes ‘through the roof’

Real Christmas trees are in short supply this year and prices are on the rise.

Owner of North Pole Christmas Tree Farm in Beveridge, Fabio Iuele, says “there’s a shortage of trees across Victoria and NSW” and demand is sky-high.

“We’ve had to cut back on our wholesale sales because the private direct to the public has just gone through the absolute roof this year,” Mr Iuele told Ross and Russel.

Press PLAY below to hear why there’s a shortage

The Australian reports 2.7 metre trees are fetching $350 at Sydney’s Merlino’s Christmas Trees.

Challenging weather and rising fuel and fertiliser costs due to the war in Ukraine are being blamed for price hikes.

Mr Iuele says he’s had to put up his prices by $5 this year due to rising input costs. An eight-foot tree from North Pole Christmas Tree Farm costs $90, while a five-foot tree is $55.

“I have heard of prices going through the roof but we’re not going to do that,” he said.