Christmas tree prices,like many other things, are on the rise.
Many of you may be wondering how to find cheap Christmas trees.
There are a lot of things to consider as you look into this emotional and financial investment.
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How Much Do Real Christmas Trees Cost?
The price of Christmas trees has been steadily rising in recent years.
The American Christmas Tree Association predicts a price increase of around 10% compared to last year.
You brew coffee at home, you dont walk into Target and you refuse to order avocado toast.
(Can you sense my millennial sarcasm there?)
However, an artificial Christmas tree can cost more than a fresh Christmas tree.
Taller unlit Christmas trees inch up toward $100 to $200, if not more.
Small tabletop versions of fiber optic Christmas trees run upwards of $50.
It really comes down to what you prefer and how you want to spend your Christmas tree budget.
When Is the Best Time to Buy a Christmas Tree?
For artificial Christmas trees, buying early is imperative.
Unfortunately, this doesnt give you much time to enjoy your fresh tree at home.
Instead, shop for real Christmas trees right before Thanksgiving.
Youll pay premium prices for real Christmas trees from Black Friday until the week before Christmas.
Here are six ways to save money on a Christmas tree:
1.
Not sure where to find the local Christmas tree farm near you?
Use thistree locatorto find real Christmas tree farms across the country.
Can You Survive 10 Days of Budgeting?
If you better wrangle your budget, it may be time to consider a savings challenge.
Cut Your Own Christmas Tree
A popular holiday tradition is to cut down your own Christmas tree.
And certainly, a wild tree will be the best for your budget because its free.
Youll need to secure a permit first from theUS Forest Serviceor the appropriate state or local agency.
Pre-ordering for Christmas trees tends to open in early October.
Just remember to calculate shipping costs into the price.
Choose a Smaller or Different Variety of Christmas Tree
Charlie Brown Christmas trees deserve love, too.
Find tree types that balance what you want with what costs less per foot.
Taller isnt always better when it comes to trees.
Gotta leave room for the tree topper!
How Long Do Christmas Trees Last?
If your holiday spirit kicks in just after Halloween and keeps going strong until Christmas, theres good news.
Dry trees are a significant fire hazard.
The last thing you want is to start the new year in hot water with yourhome insurance company.
Is Your Paycheck Not Going As Far As It Used To?
We get it.Everythingis more expensive than it used to be, but your paycheck hasnt kept up.
When money is tight,these resourceswill help nearly everyone.
Kaz Weida is a former senior writer at The Penny Hoarder.