There are fewer tree farms these days, and some were hit by severe weather. Plus, both real and fake trees have been affected by higher shipping costs.

Add Christmas trees to the list of items facing shortages and higher prices this year.

I know what you’re thinking: A Christmas blog in September?! Has the world gone mad?! Hear me out as I will explain why Santa can’t procrastinate this year.

High shipping costs, delivery delays have artificial-tree merchants raising list prices and warning of shortfalls in holiday decorations