Source: Gavin Stewart, HICKORY RECORD, 11/24/18


Denver Vance sells Christmas trees, and that business has been profitable for 45 years. But he’s uncertain for the first time due to a Christmas tree shortage this year. In previous years, Vance could cut and sell about 700 trees. Vance only has 500 trees to sell this year. The trees go for $10 a foot. During the most recent recession, many small farmers bailed on the business, he said. Consumers stopped buying trees, leaving an excess to grow until they were too tall to sell.

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