YORK, S.C. — A popular Christmas tree farm in York, South Carolina has had such a successful year, it is closing for the season just eight days after opening for the holidays.
The Penland Christmas Tree Farm has been open for 50 seasons, and this is the first time it is closing very early. The final day was Saturday, December 4th.
“Yes, we are blessed to have had a truly great season," said Allison Moses, who is a second-generation Christmas tree farmer. "But I’m sad about it too because we did not have more to support our community.”
Moses says not only was it a busy season, but the Fraser Firs she normally orders to supplement the farm’s trees never arrived. The order was cut because of shortages.
“This year we were down about 20 percent on trees," said Moses. "Our business has grown honestly in the last four or five years. There’s so many people that are in the community and so many families that want to come out and do a family tradition with us.”
The farm spans 70 acres, and it does have more trees growing. However, Moses is saving those for next year – it takes 5 to 6 years to grow a Christmas tree.
MORE NEWS: Charlotte Pride Parade to return in 2022
“We have a South Carolina Christmas tree association, and all of the farms in South Carolina have seen an increase," said Moses.
Fear not, tree-lovers; if you're looking for a natural tree next year, she is planning to make sure there are enough trees for then.
Contact Indira Eskieva at ieskieva@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook and Twitter and Instagram.