While we were all delighted with the warmer weather in recent weeks, we may pay the price this Christmas.
Irish customers may be hit by a Christmas tree shortage as trees are shedding their needles too early this year.
And there is also a shortage of artificial trees. The average price of a plastic trees being transported from Asia will rise to around €150, increasing from €103 last year.
Shipping stock is also expected to take three weeks longer than usual.
John Brennan, owner of IrishChristmasTrees.com from Milltown and Dundrum, explained to Breakingnews.ie why costs have suddenly sored.
Mr Brennan said: “The usual cost of a container of artificial trees is around €3,000 which contains between 200 and 500 dependent on their size. The cost has now soared to €18,000 per container.
“The reason the prices have soared is due to a number of factors: congestion in the ports worldwide resulting in missed loading and unloading spots; the aftermath of the 400-metre-long ship, the Evergiven, getting stuck in the Suez Canal last March for several days; and greed. By this I mean countries wanting shipments before others as a result of delays due to the pandemic.”
The demand for trees has seen Christmas tree growers being targeted by thieves.
Gardai are now working with local growers to table the issue, particularly in Co. Wicklow.
A garda spokesperson told Dublin Live: “Operation Hurdle recommenced on Friday, 19th November 2021.
“The operation was set up to prevent the theft of Christmas Trees in the Wicklow Garda Division.
“Gardai will be conducting regular patrols and checkpoints in the lead up to the festive period. They will also be assisted by the Garda Air Support Unit and will be engaging with local Christmas Tree Growers.”
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