December 3, 2021, 12:05 pm | Read time: 4 minutes
Every year, it’s a tradition in many German households to bring a Christmas tree into the home. This year is no different. Are Christmas trees also affected by supply chain issues due to the COVID-19 pandemic?
For many families, a Christmas tree is simply part of the holiday celebration. Most often, the choice falls on the classic Nordmann fir–even though there are now more sustainable alternatives like potted Christmas trees. Will consumers have to dig deeper into their pockets for a Christmas tree this year? How have Christmas tree prices developed recently? myHOMEBOOK inquired with the “Association of Natural Christmas Trees” (VNWB) about current costs and trends.
Overview
Christmas tree prices remain stable
Good news for those planning to buy a Christmas tree this year: The price level in 2021 has hardly changed compared to last year. “Prices have remained largely constant compared to the previous year,” says Saskia Blümel from the VNWB in response to a myHOMEBOOK inquiry. Despite all general and current inconveniences–including supply chain issues, inflation, and rising costs for personnel and transport–Christmas tree prices have not skyrocketed. Blümel explains: “Since there were virtually no late frosts this year and weather conditions were generally good, there are plenty of trees available nationwide. So, there are no shortages to fear.” According to Blümel, business is already off to a good start. “However, how the season develops will mainly be seen in the coming weeks,” the expert explains.
What does a Christmas tree cost in 2021?
As the association informed in a press release before the Advent season, the Nordmann fir will also lead the ranking of the most popular Christmas trees in 2021, with around 80 percent. Currently, according to Christmas tree associations, it costs between 21 and 27 euros per meter, as it did last year. Prices per meter for blue spruces are slightly cheaper–ranging from 12 to 16 euros. Spruces are relatively inexpensive, with a meter costing between 9 and 12 euros. The rather large price range is due to the varying quality of the types.
Although there are currently supply chain issues in many areas of the Christmas business, consumers need not worry about the Christmas tree. Additionally, last year’s sales already showed that a well-organized sale is feasible even under current hygiene regulations.
New trends in Christmas trees
Prices remain stable–what is changing, however, are customer preferences. According to the association, smaller trees are becoming increasingly popular. This may be related to the fact that many people have less living space available. A tree two meters tall naturally takes up more space than a smaller one.
According to Blümel, there are other trends emerging in surveys, including the “Advent tree” and the “second tree.” On one hand, trees are being purchased earlier, which is not a problem for the Nordmann fir, as it lasts a long time. “On the other hand, the trend is moving towards placing a tree in the garden or on the balcony or terrace,” says the expert. By the way, here are some tips on how to keep your Christmas tree fresh longer.
More than one-third of Germans do not get a Christmas tree.
What You Should Definitely Look out for When Buying a Christmas tree
Good growth, but Christmas trees not greener than usual
Most often, it’s the Nordmann fir that ends up as the Christmas tree in the living room. No wonder, as it looks good and doesn’t have sharp needles, which is appreciated when decorating. It also impresses with its fresh, dark, and fragrant green. Speaking of which–is this color more vibrant this year than in the past? At least that’s what the SWR writes.
Saskia Blümel from the VNWB cannot confirm this statement: “If this is the case regionally, it is because the trees had optimal growth conditions this year,” the expert explains. In 2021, there was plenty of rain, and the temperatures were ideal for the Nordmann fir. “If the trees were not as green in previous years, it could be due to the factors mentioned,” says Blümel.
What alternatives are there?
According to the associations, between 23 and 25 million Christmas trees are sold each year. A tree takes about ten years to grow to a height of 1.75 to 2 meters. Additionally, the Christmas tree is a single-use product, usually disposed of after the holidays. For these reasons, buying a traditional Christmas tree is not particularly sustainable. However, according to Blümel, for every tree cut down, a new one is planted, “resulting in a neutral CO2 balance.”
There are now several environmentally friendly alternatives. How about these DIY Christmas trees? Furthermore, there are also the so-called room spruces as an alternative to the typical Christmas tree. And to learn about upcycling options for the tree after the holiday season, read this article.