Despite Shortage, Plenty of Trees and Cheer at YMCA

By MATTHEW MEYER | Reporter

A Christmas tree shortage that made pickings slim and prices higher at lots across the country this season didn’t spare Pacific Palisades, but the Palisades-Malibu YMCA’s tree lot has still managed to deliver holiday joy for all comers.

The annual Y fundraiser’s largest trees—those between 10- and 15-feet tall—sold out over the first two weekends of December as usual. But ahead of the lot’s final busy weekend, YMCA’s Oscar Rodriguez confirmed that Palisadians can still head home with an authentic tree to be proud of, from tabletop decorations to seven- or eight-footers.

The lot has been operating since Dec. 1 and celebrated its annual lighting ceremony with activities for families on Dec. 3.

It’s holiday business as usual—though delivering the cheer came with a few extra hurdles this season.

“It definitely affected us,” Rodriguez said of the shortage, which has roots in the Great Recession.

Shortly before the economic downturn, Christmas tree growers in the Pacific Northwest planted aggressively with expectations of increased demand. Instead, tree sales plummeted in 2007 and 2008, leaving less room to plant saplings and fewer growers in the game.

Christmas trees take about a decade to grow eight feet tall, so the effects of the reduction are finally taking hold.

The National Christmas Tree Association, the industry’s preeminent trade group, has been busy fielding questions about the shortage this season as curiosity and consumer concerns mount. The group confirmed this month that prices could rise 5 to 10 percent on lots across the country.

Rodriguez said trees were more expensive and more difficult to obtain for the Y this year, and the heightened cost did moderately affect prices.

That hasn’t dampened sales, however, and Rodriguez said he was thrilled to “still have a great selection.”

“We’re happy,” he told the Palisadian-Post. “We still have trees to be able to have for the community and to serve them.”

And the tree lot is a major source of funds for the Y’s yearlong community programs, “from camp to childcare and early childcare to sports” and programs for adults.

Proceeds will also help the Y keep fees affordable and provide financial assistance to families in need.

The lot is open through Dec. 23, from 3 to 8 p.m. on Monday through Friday, and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends. It’s located in Simon Meadow, at the corner of Sunset Boulevard and Temescal Canyon Road. The Y also offers tree delivery service.