Trees normally grow about 2 feet per year, but drought conditions have stunted this year’s growth.
At $3 to $4 per seedling, the loss of those trees means an immediate $2,100-$2,400 financial loss. He also loses a year of growth on those 700 to 800 trees, which will impact the availability of mature trees later.
“Compared to last year, there will be fewer available trees,” he said.
May said he planted 1,000 trees in January. He estimates well over half of those trees — 700 to 800 — died. His Newton County farm is included in the portion of the state that is experiencing exceptional drought.
Days and times vary for farms that offer pre tagging. Call to confirm if and when a tree farm offers pre tagging.
“I’m going to sell everything I’ve got, but I’ll sell out really early — even earlier than in the past,” he said. “If you want a locally grown tree anywhere in Mississippi, you better get it early.”
“This year’s drought has affected trees of all ages, killing many of them, especially in the lower half of the state,” he said. “Freezing conditions in December 2022 and March 2023 also killed many younger trees. Some older trees had to be pruned to remove frozen portions, causing some that would be sold this year to need another year of growth.”
Michael May expects to see tree growth impacted for at least the next three years on his Chunky, Miss., Christmas tree farm after this year’s severe to exceptional drought conditions that spanned most of the state.
“It’s been a rough year because of the drought,” said May, who owns and operates Lazy Acres Plantation. “We’ve lost 5% of the larger trees that would have been for sale this year.”
The average cost for a Christmas tree is $10 to $16 per foot or about $60 for a 6-foot tree. Larger trees and certain varieties sell for more per foot because of the inputs, including labor and materials.
May said his prices will remain the same — between $10 and $12 per foot.
Wilson said these issues have caused a decrease in mature tree inventory across the state, and consumers who want locally grown trees should shop early.
Wilson expects trees to sell for at least what they sold for last year, while some growers may raise prices because of increased input prices.
“Trees that would have been 10-feet trees this year are now just 6 to 8 feet tall,” May said.
Source: msstate.edu