ELY, Iowa (KCRG) - Christmas tree shoppers may see higher prices for artificial trees due to tariffs, while prices for real trees remain largely steady as local growers absorb extra costs.

According to the American Christmas Tree Association , 83 percent of artificial trees are made outside the U.S. and face tariffs, leading to price increases of 10 percent or more this year. Artificial trees remain the most popular choice among households, the association reports.

At Cedar’s Edge Evergreen Market in Ely, owner Mark Banowitz said his farm has seen slight increases in shipping costs for pre-cut trees, but he chose not to pass those costs on to customers.

“We just ate it, it wasn’t worth it,” Banowitz said. “If our customers are going to come out and buy some expensive trees and the diff

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