Consumers on the hunt for a Christmas tree are facing pricier options due to a shortage of trees that can be traced back to the 2008 financial crisis. The Great Recession put thousands of American Christmas tree farmers out of business, resulting in far fewer seedlings being planted. As trees have a maturity cycle of 10 years, the lack of supply is just now beginning to bite. As a result the shortage is pushing up U.S. demand for Canadian Christmas trees and causing higher prices for consumers across the continent. Unfortunately for consumers who are unwilling to shell out more than last year may have to settle for a tree that’s shorter and scragglier. The Canadian Christmas Tree Growers Association counted roughly 300 members 15 years ago, but now the trade group is down to about 80. Factors beyond the financial crisis are also having a contributing to the price hike and short supplies. Dry summers have prevented trees from growing quickly and from sometimes filling in properly. Add on top of that the greater awareness among customers of their carbon footprint may also be sparking renewed interest in natural trees. Artificial trees are typically not recyclable and are manufactured with PVC, which releases carcinogens during manufacturing and disposal.