It's that time of year when people are out looking for that perfect gift or the perfect tree to place in their homes for the holiday season.

But just like the prices in the stores, prices on the tree lots have had to increase too.

The Tay House Boy Scout Troop 19 has been selling Christmas trees here in Rochester for nearly 70 years, helping bring some holiday spirit.

The holiday season is the time when people spend lots on all sorts of gifts, foods and decorations.

Much like the prices of food and gifts, the price of Christmas trees has gone up as well.

“We increased them slightly, but only to reflect the increased cost of paying for them,” said Jay Giess, parent committee chair for Troop 19. “Currently, we ran a few trucks and three of the adult leaders drive down there and we can load up the trucks, bring them up here, and then boys like them here help unload them.”

A study shows across the country people are expected to pay on average $86 for a real Christmas tree this holiday season, an increase of nearly 13 percent from 2021.

But despite the increase in price and some people choosing to switch to artificial trees, Giess said people are still excited to come out and celebrate family traditions by getting a real Christmas tree.

“So far, we had a good day yesterday," Giess said. "We probably just sold about 20 to 25 trees, which for the first day is good."

The Tay House Boy Scout Troop 19 ordered around 700 trees this year. Scout Dean Giess said working on the lot helps him prepare for the future, helping him strengthen skills in communication, confidence and managing finances.

The troop will be selling the Christmas trees each Wednesday through Sunday until Christmas Eve at the corner of East Avenue and Granger Place.