Concerns of tree farm shortage in Florida

MIDDLEBURG, Fla. — Whether the tree is large and tall or quick and broad, Mike Songer believes there’s a Christmas tree for any household.

He admits, he’ll have a couple of “ugly” bushes on his farm, however his prospects will declare it as their ‘Charlie Brown Tree’. Songer’s Tree Farm has been round for practically 40 years and at this level, his job just isn’t thought-about work however a method of life. 

“You don’t know how long I’ve got, so I try to enjoy it every day,” Songer mentioned. 

He particularly enjoys the day after Thanksgiving, often known as opening day. The tree farmer mentioned his prospects line up outdoors his farm. At Songer’s, individuals have the prospect to chop down their very own tree. 

He instructed First Coast News greater than 50 bushes have been bought Friday. Songer has bought a whole bunch, if not, 1000’s of bushes at his farm. While he isn’t fearful about stock costs, Songer is predicted to promote out. 

“Christmas trees across the country go in cycles. There are some years with excess trees and some years a shortage of trees,” Songer defined. “This year and last year has definitely been a shortage.” 

Fortunately, Songer’s bushes are planted on his Middleburg property. That means he has lots of bushes. He is, nonetheless, seeing a distinct sort of shortage. 

“Many of the people who had Christmas tree farms have gotten old and kids can’t leave high school and go out and buy a farm,” Songer mentioned.

The tree farmer mentioned there aren’t as many family-owned tree farms in Florida as there was.

 According to the American Tree Farm System there are roughly 1,200 licensed Tree Farms in Florida. 

For now, Songer continues to plant his roots in a group that has supported his household enterprise through the years.