Christmas tree shortage possible as farmers switch to hemp

Farmers moving to hemp production could cause shortages of other crops, including Christmas trees.

Consumers should make their yearly pilgrimage to pick out the perfect tree for the holidays sooner than later, according to experts, because some tree farmers have pivoted away from the crop to concentrate on faster-growing, more profitable crops such as hemp.

One Texas tree wholesaler saw his order cut by 30% this year, John Patton of Patton Christmas Trees in Dallas told CBSDFW.com.

The biggest shortage is for larger trees, 8 feet and taller. The later timing for Thanksgiving could also cause consumers to lose out on trees this year.

More details about the Christmas tree shortage are available here.