Inflation, drought drive up Christmas tree prices

BOONVILLE, Mo. (KMIZ)

Decking the halls may hurt your wallet a little more than usual this year.

Prices for Christmas trees have risen due to inflation and drought conditions. According to the Real Christmas Tree Board, most tree retailers are raising prices between 5-20%. While inflation is to blame nationwide, the drought is impacting Mid-Missouri farmers.

Starr Pines in Boonville had a busy weekend as it opened for the season. Amanda Harmon, daughter of Starr Pines owners, said hay rides, free cider and visits with Santa Claus are back at the tree farm for the first year since the pandemic.

"This is our favorite time of the year," Harmon said. "We love seeing everybody."

Harmon said prices at Starr Pines did increase this year as the farm was impacted by inflation.

"We did have to raise our prices a little bit," Harmon said. "Not much, obviously we didn't want to. But everybody has suffered and we are no exception."

Cooper County -- where Starr Pines is located -- is in moderate-to-severe drought levels according to the U.S. drought monitor.

"We have irrigation setup, but it has been very, very dry," Harmon said. "We've suffered just like everybody else says."

The drought in Missouri got so bad this year Gov. Mike Parson declared an emergency, offering resources to farmers.