As people begin prepping for the holiday season, Crystal Spring Tree Farm in East Lehighton, Pa. just shipped is first tree, an 18-footer, to Longwood Gardens, writes Amanda Eustice for ABC 16.

But the most wonderful time of year comes with a price tag. Owner of the farm, Chris Botek, predicts an increase in costs.  

“With the price of everything, we have to go up a little bit. You have to. I mean, the fuels are way up; the cost of anything is way up,” Botek said. “I would say you could expect about a 10 percent increase. So over the board, maybe a $5 to $10 jump in tree prices. I can’t say for retail at lots.” 

Botek attributes this seasonal upswing in prices to the costs of raw materials and gas prices for shipping the trees. However, he said that he still expects a demand, but warned consumers that they still might want to get out early to get their trees.  

Learn more about the hike in Christmas tree prices on ABC 16.