Fewer Oregon Christmas trees may raise prices

SALEM, Ore. (AP) — Christmas trees in Oregon may cost a bit more this year, as the supply of holiday firs in the state has dropped.

The Salem Statesman Journal reports (http://stjr.nl/2gP7nLF ) that an oversupply of trees in 2015 has led some growers to leave the market, meaning there are fewer trees to go around this year, which could push prices slightly up.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, harvest and sales of trees dropped 26 percent in 2015, compared to 2010. USDA statistician Dave Losh says growers planted an overabundance of trees, compared to the demand for them.

Pacific Northwest Christmas Tree Association Executive Director Bryan Ostlund says while supplies have tightened, there is no shortage of Christmas trees in Oregon.

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Information from: Statesman Journal, http://www.statesmanjournal.com