By RYAN SKAITH
Repeated weekend snowstorms and bitter cold temperatures have chilled sales at Christmas tree farms across Iowa this season, leaving many operators seeing lower-than-average returns during their narrow peak window.
The industry’s prime season typically spans only two to three weeks in late November and early December. Most farms rely on the weekend immediately following Thanksgiving to generate the bulk of their annual revenue.
Brian Moulds, manager of Wapsie Pines Christmas Tree Farm in Bremer County, said sales started strong with a higher-than-normal turnout on Black Friday. However, business has remained below average since that initial surge. Moulds estimated the farm’s gross sales are down roughly 10% compared to last year.
In Story County, heavy weather dealt a more direct blow to operations. Joe Heintz, manager of Strautman Tree Farm, said 10 inches of snow forced the farm to close the weekend after Thanksgiving, wiping out what are typically his busiest days of the year.
Despite the immediate loss in revenue, Heintz noted a silver lining for the long-term outlook. Because tree farmers must plan their inventory six to seven years in advance, harvesting fewer trees this winter will allow the farm to bolster its supply for future seasons.
