Ontario Christmas tree season in full swing

After two years of supply challenges and growing struggles, Ontario’s Christmas tree industry expects a very good holiday season ahead.

Fred Somerville, president of Somerville Nurseries in Everett, attributes the success to favourable weather.

“We have had more rain this past summer, which has helped the quality of the trees, and that is always great,” he said.

Somerville operates about 3,000 acres of Christmas trees, and expects around 120,000 to be sold across the province.

“Growers are meeting the demand, and the demand is still quite strong, so it’s been a great year,” Somerville said.

But like everything, the cost of trees is up this season, with labour and fuel the biggest factors.

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Andrew Drysdale of Drysdale’s Tree Farm said their costs are up about five per cent this year, but demand remains high.

Drysdale’s expects to sell around 18,000 Christmas trees this season.

“The past two weekends are usually the busiest, but this coming weekend should still be busy, kids coming home from university and stuff after exams,” Drysdale said.

For those new to purchasing a real Christmas tree, like Tom Jordinson, visiting a tree farm is an exciting first.

“It’s cold, it’s wet, but I’m looking forward to finding a tree, cutting it down, and getting amongst the proper winter Christmas traditions,” he shared.

Experts recommend Fraser Fir trees for their longevity – they can last up to six weeks with proper care, including plenty of water, while other types typically last three to four weeks.