ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Gallagher's Pumpkins and Christmas Trees plans to close early this year after running low on inventory.
Ciera Gallagher said she has about 100 trees left and believes the pandemic caused people to buy their Christmas trees earlier.
"It's actually been crazy. More people are buying Christmas trees earlier in the season, I think just with everything going on this past year, they want something new. They want something different. It's fun and festive, " said Gallagher.
She said growers do not want to cut down more trees.
"We have been working with one or two growers the whole time, 33 years of being in business, and they all tell us the same thing... 'if we cut more trees now we won't have any for the years to come,'" said Gallagher.
Gallagher and her husband sell trees that are nearly 10 years old.
"Every foot your tree is... it's about a year of growth so these trees are 8, 9 or 10 years old so if we cut them, we're not going to have any for the next couple of years. We've already been going through a shortage as it is," she said.
Gallagher's Pumpkins and Christmas Trees plan to stay open on Wednesday, December 9.
It will be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. After Wednesday, it will close for the season. Usually, the tree farm does not close until December 19 or 20.
"We want to be here for everybody, but unfortunately we can't get any more trees," said Gallagher.
"I just appreciate every person that has come in here and said such wonderful things about our business. We really have grown and people see the growth and they're supporting us and they like what they see and they're going to come back. I appreciate that. I hope people understand. We don't want to close, but we love everybody for coming and making this year so wonderful."
For more information, visit gallagherspumpkinsandchristmastrees.com.
