Local Christmas Tree Farm Faces Uncertain Future Amid Declining Sales

As the holiday season begins, a family-owned Christmas tree business in the Coachella Valley is grappling with a significant downturn in sales that has owner Verlyn "Spike" Aerni questioning the future of the operation.

Aerni Trees, a multi-generational family business started by Bill Whitney and passed down through his children and grandchildren, has been a fixture in Palm Desert for decades. For Aerni, who grew up in the business, running the Christmas tree lot is all he has known.

However, the farm has experienced a sharp decline in customers in recent years. Aerni reports sales are down 25 to 30 percent compared to pre-COVID levels, prompting serious concerns about the business's viability.

"I have a son, so am I asking, am I pointing my son in the direction of being a Christmas tree farmer? Absolutely not," Aerni said.

In response to falling sales, Aerni has held prices steady for years rather than raising them. He attributes the decline to shifting consumer preferences, with more people opting for artificial trees or purchasing from larger companies that can offer lower prices through volume sales.

Despite the challenges, Aerni says local customers who prefer supporting small, independent Christmas tree lots continue to provide hope for the family business.