In the days leading up to Christmas, at least one Saline County Christmas tree farm reported having more trees remaining than usual, while another still had trees available as the holiday approached.
In a public post on December 16, Watkins Tree Farm said it had an unusually high number of trees left late in the season. The farm announced it would remain open for one additional weekend and reduce prices in an effort to sell remaining inventory before Christmas.
The farm noted that most remaining trees measured between 8 and 9.5 feet tall and could be cut down to size. In its message, Watkins Tree Farm asked customers to share the information and said it was willing to work with businesses, churches, nursing homes, and other organizations in need of trees.
“We don’t want to have to burn all of these beautiful trees if someone needs one,” the post stated.
As of December 19, Bel Tree Farm also reported having Christmas trees still available, with December 20 listed as the farm’s final day of the season. No additional details regarding inventory or pricing were provided.
Salina311 spoke with multiple residents who said rising prices for live Christmas trees have shifted buying habits in recent years.
Several residents cited price points reaching into the hundreds of dollars for larger live trees, saying the cost has become harder to justify amid broader increases in household expenses. Others pointed to artificial trees as a one-time purchase that can be reused year after year.
Several residents described the shift as “a cost decision more than a preference,” saying artificial trees have become the more practical option even for families who previously preferred live trees. Others noted that while they value supporting local tree farms, price has increasingly become the deciding factor.
The late-season availability highlighted both the challenges local tree farms face in forecasting demand and the growing impact of consumer price sensitivity on traditional holiday purchases.