SOUTH WINDSOR, Connecticut – One of Connecticut’s largest Christmas tree farms has now been forced to cut hours due to too high demand and insufficient supply. Dzen Tree Farm in South Windsor will be closed to the public on weekdays starting Monday, December 5.

“I’ve been doing this for a long time and we love what we’re doing,” said John Dzen, owner of Dzen Tree Farm. “And it’s sad because we’ve made a lot of happy families but, you know, in the future there are going to be tough times.”

The Dzen are feeling the impact of a nationwide shortage of Christmas trees. Much of their supply comes from Canada, where they expected three tree trailers to be shipped this year. But, their supplier could only ship one semi-trailer.

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“We buy a little four-year-old baby tree, plant it in the ground. And in eight years, you’ll place it in your living room,” Dzen said.

This is the time it takes for the tree to reach its full potential. The problem is, eight years ago, they hadn’t predicted a pandemic. And demand is the highest it has ever been during the pandemic. So, they find it difficult to follow. Especially since most families want taller trees, eight or nine feet.

“The Christmas trees we have are considerably smaller than what people want for their homes,” Dzen said.

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It’s a vicious circle. The more people buy premature trees now, the more impact it has on next year’s supply. It will take years to get back on track.

But for now, the Dzen are focused on what they have. They offer an experience for families, making the South Windsor place a place of destination.

A 17-foot Santa Claus sits on their property, along with three live reindeer and Santa’s workshop. Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus are also there for tours.

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“Certainly, while I have small children, it’s good to have this here,” said Kelly Pleshaw of Feeding Hills, Massachusetts.

An invaluable gift that the Dzen family will continue to give to CT families, as long as time permits.

“The supply and demand for Christmas trees is a cycle. It’s just one more thing and we’ll be pushing our way through it,” Dzen said.

Julia LeBlanc is a reporter for FOX61 News. She can be reached at [email protected] Follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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