INDIANAPOLIS — Rising costs due to inflation and tariffs could taint “the most wonderful time of the year.” Between gifts, holiday food and decorations, analysts say holiday shoppers are on track to spend more than in years past.

In Greenfield, Lost Forty Tree Farm is trying to help families compensate for higher costs elsewhere. The 40-year-old family business is keeping its Christmas tree prices the same as last year even as they’ve had to pay more in upkeep.

”Our cost to do business has gone way up,” said co-owner Bob Wendt. “It doesn't matter whether it’s land taxes, insurance, repairs to the tractors, parts to the tractors, herbicides or pesticides or hired labor.”

The farm does what it can to control costs by growing its own trees rather than buying them, but the price of tending

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