The price of Christmas trees is expected to increase

In the wake of unpredictable weather, labor issues and rising planting costs, Canadian Christmas tree growers remain optimistic about the holiday season despite the challenges.

Last year, reports of a shortage of Christmas trees were enough to haunt misers, and despite continued supply shortages, Canadian farmers are looking for ways to ensure no family is left without a tree this season.

According to Statistics Canada, between 2011 and 2021, nearly 20,000 acres of Christmas tree plantations were lost and the total number of reported plantations decreased from 2,381 to 1,364. Those acres lost character due to the catastrophic toll of weather events, says Shirley Brennan, CEO of the Cemetery Association. The Canadian Christmas tree is like the drought experienced in provinces like Ontario or the shortage of workers due to the lack of retirement or succession planning on farms.

“Ten years, which is the Christmas tree growing season, what you lose in those 10 years, 20,000 acres, contributes to 30 million trees. So are there fewer trees? Yes. Does that mean someone is leaving? Do you want to leave without a tree??

Christmas tree growers say Canadians can expect higher prices this season as farmers have seen increases in costs for fertilizer, insurance and fuel for tractors. While it’s still not clear how much prices can go up for consumers, Brennan says it will vary by farm.

Kim Frocklage, owner and operator of Santa’s Forest in Victoria, British Columbia, says tree prices fluctuate each year depending on size and species, but she estimates price increases can be as high as 10-15%. Pricing for a noble spruce, the most popular option on their farm, ranges from $60 to $90 depending on size.

In addition, he says he’s had supply issues with accessories like tree stands, the price of which has not only gone up but also gone down for several months. While her farm is still reeling from the West Coast’s extreme weather caused by drought and fires that have destroyed tree stacks, she hopes the weather will once again turn in favor of the trees.

“It’s cyclical, so there will probably be a lot of trees that will come back on the market in five or six years, but it will take a while for them to get out and come back,” she told CTV News. .ca in a phone interview on November 7.

says Pam Martin, owner of Cedar Hills Christmas Tree Farm in Buckenham, Ont. Higher fuel and insurance costs are the main factors that will contribute to slightly higher prices on her farm. The most popular spruce on his farm costs about $89 before taxes.

“There will likely be a moderate price increase, as everyone notes that there has been an increase in fuel prices, especially colored diesel, which is what we use to power all of our tractors on the farm,” she told CTVNews.ca. Phone interview on November 7.

“I think everyone is also seeing an increase in premiums this year, so there will be a slight increase in rates to offset some of those factors.”

What to consider when buying

While weather challenges and rising costs have been difficult for Canadian growers, Brennan says customers are already adapting their tree-buying habits and considering all of their options to offset any issues with trees in stock.

“Now people are starting to think outside the box,” Brennan said. “We are getting more and more orders for table trees, in different sizes and types, so we are seeing this trend changing more and more.”

Brennan also suggests checking what tree species local farms carry, as not all farms will carry all of the more common species like spruce, spruce, or pine. Soil conditions on some farms may not be able to support certain species, Brennan says, so it’s important to check with the farm first to find a specific variety or replacement.

Above all else, Brennan says Canadians should enjoy all the moments that come with getting a tree after all the labor-intensive farming.

“Growing a Christmas tree is a love affair, so when you go to a farm, enjoy it. Take advantage of what they have to offer, whether it’s different activities or just spending time enjoying the outdoors with your family because that’s what it’s for,” she said.