Unless you're grabbing a tree tag and cutting down you own tree like Clark Griswold, trees may seem a little pricey this year.  If you're going to take the plunge, why not do it at one of these lots benefiting a great cause?

First off, we're hearing that it's been hard to find a full, beautiful tree for less than $40.  There's a reason that trees are a little pricer this year than in years past.  The shortage tracks back to 2008's recession.  When money was tight and more families turned to artificial trees that they could reuse, tree farms had to seriously cut back the number of tree farms they were building. Some even chose to cease operations completely.

Fast forward to today when the economy's bounced back a bit. Now tree growers are getting 20 times the number of requests from lots. Pair that with the drought, seedling shortages and wild fires that hit regions where Christmas tree growing thrives and it's no surprise there's a tree shortage in 2017.

But your family is #teamrealtree and you can't go without it.  If you're going to buy one of those pricier trees, do at one of these three lots!

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  • Boise Vista Lions/Boy Scouts Lot

    5600 Glenwood Street, Garden City

    Located in the parking lot at Hawks Stadium, the Boise Vista Lions have teamed up with the scouts in Crew 33 and Troop 33 for their annual fundraiser! Buy a tree at this lot and your money will support both programs.  They're offering Noble, Nordmann and Grand Firs ranging from 2 to 10 feet tall.  There's also a selection of Christmas wreaths and center pieces to make your home even more festive! Visit the lot Monday-Friday 4-8 p.m. or Saturday-Sunday 10 a.m.-8 p.m. You can pick up a stand for your tree there as well!

  • Boise Rescue Mission Tree Lot

    308 S 24th Street, Boise

    Boise Rescue Missions "Christmas Trees to the Rescue" program is back for 2017! Buying a Nordmann or Noble fir from this lot helps you provide a good meal and warm place for those who may not have a place to call home during the holiday season. The lot is open Monday-Friday 4-7 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-7 p.m. or Sunday from 12-7 p.m.  There's also a second Rescue Mission lot in Nampa at 1215 12th Ave South.

  • Meridian Optimist Tree Lot

    1653 S Meridian Rd, Meridian

    This tree lot is one of the Meridian Optimist Club's biggest dun raisers of the year.  It helps keep programs like their essay and speech scholarship programs going, as well as favorite community events like their Easter egg hunt! Funds from this lot also funnel into the Meridian Optimist Junior Rifle Club and the Meridian Food Bank.  Visit this lot near Roaring Springs Monday-Friday 5-7 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-7 p.m. or Sunday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

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