Rising Christmas tree prices: Expensive tradition or worth the splurge?

With time running out, families are on the hunt for the perfect Christmas tree. But will they have to tap into their savings account to buy a decent tree this year?

According to the American Christmas Tree Association, the average nationwide cost of a live tree is between $80 and $100, or 10% more than last year.

With an average price tag that ranges from $85 to $1,000 or more, artificial Christmas trees could break the bank even more, the association said in a release.

“According to our 2023 survey, 52% of artificial Christmas tree owners purchased their tree for under $200, and 27% paid $200 to $400," said Jami Warner, executive director of the association.

"We always recommend that consumers shop early to get ahead of the holiday rush and find the décor, type, and style of Christmas tree that best fits their needs,” she added.

Most local Tallahassee tree vendors say there's been a slight increase in tree prices, averaging around $8 to $10 more this season.

Vendors also are noticing that some customers are going over the top this year with purchases of trees 6 feet taller or higher. Others are waiting to shop closer to Christmas for those last-minute discounts.

Here's a roundup of four Christmas tree farms and nurseries around Tallahassee, with a range of tree sizes, types, and prices.

Enjoy a Christmas tradition at Turner’s Havana Christmas Tree Farm

The Turner’s Havana Christmas Tree Farm, 2867 Florida Georgia Highway, is a popular family-operated business that provides a selection of freshly grown ‘Virginia Pines,’ ‘Leland Cypress,’ and ‘Blue Cypress’ trees. Like most other places, the Havana tree farm brings in ‘Fraser Fir,’ known for its woody scent, from North Carolina.

The trees are priced by foot and are averaged about $10 per foot. Locals can bring their families to pick and cut their Christmas tree down or enjoy the gift shop. Business hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday, and noon-6 p.m. Sundays. For details, visit turnershavanachristmastreefarm.com

Family Fun at Bavarian Christmas Tree Farm

Bavarian Christmas Tree Farm, 4352 Safari Run, has some of the cheapest prices compared to its competitors, with costs ranging from $59 to $129. The small farm is a family-owned business that serves homegrown ‘Carolina Sapphire’ trees to their consumers.

Families can choose and chop down their own Christmas tree at the farm during business hours, which are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday. On Tuesdays, the hours are 3-6 p.m. The farm says it is quickly selling out of its bigger trees that are 8 to 9 feet or taller. For more information visit flchristmastrees.com.

Score 40% off on Christmas trees at the Esposito Garden Center

Choose an artificial or fresh cut tree at the Esposito Garden Center, 2743 Capital Circle N.E., this season for a price anywhere from $99-$600, which varies depending on the size tree desired. Usually sold are ‘Fraser Firs’ and ‘Noble Firs’ ranging from 5 to 10 feet.

The center currently has a 40% sale on all its trees. Visitors can stop by the center from 7:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Saturday, and 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Sundays. Check espositogardencenter.com for details.

Discover a broad selection of trees at Native Nurseries

Native Nurseries, 1661 Centerville Road, is a popular garden center in the capital city that has been in operation since 1980. The nursery offers a variety of tree sizes from 2 to 10 feet, and has already sold out of its most popular 6 to 7 foot trees.

The cheapest Christmas tree sold at the nursery is a 2 to 3 foot tabletop tree priced at $39, while the most expensive is a 9 to 10 foot tree for $199. Locals can visit between 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays, and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sundays. Visit nativenurseries.com for more details.

Other local Christmas tree options

Lowe’s Home Improvement, 2121 Capital Circle N.E., and Home Depot, 1490 Capital Circle N.W., also have artificial, pre-lit and real Christmas trees. Both retailers have price ranges from $90 to about $400.

Lowe’s offers sizes from 5 feet up to 10 feet and Home Depot has trees 6 feet and higher. For more information visit lowes.com and homedepot.com.

Democrat Writer Mikiyah Everett can be reached at Meverett@gannett.com

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: With rising cost of Christmas trees, it pays to shop around