Better to buy from a forester: Christmas tree prices at retailers are rising this year

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“Overall there is very little movement in market prices in Switzerland,” said Benno Schmid, head of communications and policy at industry association ForestSwiss. It primarily addresses the price evolution among Swiss producers who sell their trees directly to customers.

According to him, prices for Christmas trees purchased from the forester or municipality are likely to remain relatively stable compared to previous years. The market is also relatively stagnant due to the long growth cycles of trees.

A survey by news agency AWP showed an inconsistent pricing picture among major retailers. Price expectations in Migros cooperatives vary greatly depending on the region. Trees may become more expensive in some areas. In other regions, prices may remain the same or even decrease. This is because trees are usually purchased in the immediate vicinity of the relevant cooperative.

Landi and hardware stores are opening

Prices for Christmas trees at Coop and Jumbo will be in the single-digit percentage range this year. Companies said that there are differences depending on the size of the tree. The main reason for price adjustments is high raw material and energy costs. However, this was the first price increase in six years.

Trees in Landi are also becoming slightly more expensive. The increase is in the “low single-digit percentage range,” according to a spokesperson. The main reason for this is the constantly high inflation in Europe.

WaldSchweiz’s Schmid said Nordmann fir remains the first choice for Christmas trees in many Swiss homes. Norway spruce comes in a distant second. Nordmann fir has many advantages. This means it will last significantly longer and will also require significantly less during shipping.

The trend towards Nordmann fir is also strengthened by the fact that Christmas trees are being bought and planted earlier and earlier. Many consumers were purchasing their trees for the holidays in early December. According to Schmid, it’s okay to put up the Christmas tree this early. If watered regularly, Nordmann fir will last until the new year without any problems.

Nordmann firs are favorites

Large distributors have also adapted to this trend and are increasingly relying on Nordmann fir. Aldi Switzerland and Landi only have this type of wood in their range. Nordmann fir is also dominant in Migros. Smaller proportions consist of red fir, silver fir and Nobilist fir. Coop and Jumbo also sell the vast majority of Nordmann firs.

According to Schmid, the trees have weathered the last two relatively dry and hot summers well. Because the roots were relatively deep, damage was limited and individual faults could be repaired.

Schmid added that autumn is much more important for trees than summer. “When trees are cut, they should not be dry if possible. “Otherwise, trees are exposed to drought stress, which negatively affects quality.” Things are looking good in this regard, as late autumn is quite rainy. Therefore, trees are likely to stay fresh longer. (SDA)

Source :Blick