If you'll be out hunting for the perfect Christmas tree this weekend, you might want to think about buying a locally-grown one. The Western New York Christmas Tree Farmers Association says local growers had a great year, and that could mean better deals for shoppers.
Prices on trees that are imported from outside of Western New York are expected to be higher because many tree farmers across the country have reported a shortage. They blame it on the 2008 recession, when they planted fewer trees than normal. Farmers in Denver say they're paying for those choices now.
"A month ago I found out I had no trees when I called my farmers. They said we don't have any trees for you," explained one tree distributor. "I've done this since I was a little kid. It's a family business. I've never not had trees going into my season."
Western New York tree farmers say they had a fantastic year, and it's been especially helpful after last year's drought.
