Holiday Shoppers Face Fewer Trees, Higher Prices
BY LIZ GOFF

If you have hopes of hanging your Christmas baubles on a live Fraser fir tree this year, head to your local shop or supplier as soon as possible, experts said.

That's because three years of bad weather have created a shortage of the Fraser fir- with its strong branches, perfect for hanging lights and ornaments to brighten your holiday season the tree of choice in Queens.

According to growers at the Christmas Tree Farmers Association of New York, price won't be an issue this year for Fraser fir fanciers who may find there are simply not enough of the popular trees to go around. Tree growers had two years of excessive rain, followed by a drought, that led to this year's shortage, experts said.

Fraser firs have accounted for approximately 25 percent of Christmas tree sales in New York state in recent years, experts said.

"It's a good quality, good-looking tree with strong needles and a strong scent," said one local retailer. "And it can last for months, with proper care and maintenance."

As if a shortage of Queens' favorite trees isn't enough, experts are also predicting that shoppers will have to plunk down extra coins for their Yule evergreen this year because of increased freight and fuel costs.

Almost 40,000 evergreens sold at auction to suppliers on November 20 went for about 10 percent more than last year, experts said. Trees sold at auction for $17 to $24 will cost consumers up to $65 when they go on sale in Queens.

But don't fret, experts said. A variety of trees will still be available at Queens retailers- trees in all shapes, sizes and price ranges, including the Douglas Fir, the Sheared Balsam, Scotch Pine, Spruce, Norway Spruce and the "Fat Albert," also known as the Colorado Blue Spruce.

They arrive in Queens on open-air trucks from Oregon, Nova Scotia, South Carolina and Quebec, Canada. Local retailers said most folks shy away from Canadian trees, because they are too costly and may appear "droopy".

The green on a Douglas Fir grows from the

center of its branches to the tips, making it a very "full" tree, the experts said. The strong branches and spaciousness of a Sheared Balsam make it an ideal tree to spruce up large areas. The Sheared Balsam also has a stronger scent than other Christmas trees, making it one of the most popular indoor trees.

Douglas Firs are grown on the Eastern coast of the United States. Sheared Balsams are grown in Canada and Nova Scotia, and Fraser Firs are native to North Carolina.

A different trend is gaining popularity with homeowners in Queens, retailers said. Folks are buying uncut trees with roots wrapped in burlap. These trees continue to grow and can be planted when the holidays are over.

Many people think ahead and dig a hole for the tree before the ground freezes. "It's something young couples and newlyweds are doing, so they can keep their first tree," retailers said.

Trees are not the only holiday items for sale by street retailers. Besides trees, you can purchase a variety of wreaths, pine boughs, garland, ornaments, seasonal plants, holiday lights, decorations and other paraphernalia, including a liquid solution that keeps trees alive throughout the holidays. Before you hoist that spruce home on your own, check to determine if the seller is offering free delivery on large trees and seasonal items.

Remember, many holiday plants are poisonous to house pets. Check with your veterinarian before purchasing items that can be deadly if devoured by dogs, cats and other small household animals.