By Jake Gourwitz SANDY CREEK, N.Y. (NCC News) — The pandemic has created a new norm of supply chain issues, inflation, and shortages for many industries. Christmas tree farms are the latest addition to a list of businesses that have been plagued for the past year and a half.
With Christmas just five weeks away, demand for trees is skyrocketing while supply is plummeting for many tree farms across the United States.
That is not is the case for Michele Forsyth, owner of Hemlock Haven Tree Farm as the farm grows its own trees. Although there is no lack of trees, the business is not exempt from the madness that has come as a result of COVID.
In fact, the biggest challenge, has been what goes on the trees rather than the trees themselves.
“We couldn’t get ornaments from our regular avenues,” Forsyth said. “The container ships lined up in the canal or sitting outside the ports in Florida and California…those are full of products that everyone needed.”
Hemlock Haven has always been a family business, going back four generations. Now more than ever, though, is it a true family affair.
“My daughter lives in New Hampshire and she decided that aside from her other two jobs she was going to have a little ornament making business,” Forsyth said.
You can find many of those in the gift shop on site.
Following a Christmas where many couldn’t deck the halls and dress the trees with loved ones, Forsyth said the holiday cheer is what we need.
“The feeling of wanting the Christmas spirit and wanting the love of Christmas really overshadowed and really helped people get through the Christmas season.”
Hemlock Haven Tree Farm is hosting a “Thanksgiving Make and Take” event Friday and Saturday, November 19 and 20 at 6:00 p.m..
