Demand for real Christmas trees growing and here is why

When it comes to Christmas trees, for many, nothing beats the real thing.

Families looking to choose a real Christmas tree as the centrepiece of their holiday decorations should start thinking about acting fast because the demand is growing.

Despite there being a shortage of real Christmas trees in western Canada, the stock is aplenty at Copeman Tree Farms in Sundridge.

"There are fewer farms in the area. Some have closed up over the years," William Copeman, the farm co-owner.

"We still plant every year and we're going to keep it going for years to come."

The farm grows about 10 different species of Christmas tree.

"Everybody is different. Some like them a little thinner, others like them wilder with branches," Copeman said.

"We have white pine, Scotch pine, Fraser fir, balsam fir, noble fir."

Demand for real Christmas trees is up at Copeman Tree Farms in Sundridge. Dec. 3/23 (Eric Taschner/CTV Northern Ontario)

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The COVID-19 pandemic was actually kind to Christmas tree farmers as lockdowns ended just in time for the harvest.

"People weren't travelling, so they were coming to farms getting their tree," said Christmas Tree Farmers of Ontario executive director Shirley Brennan.

"Typically, if they travelled for Christmas or they got together in large groups, they wouldn't, maybe, get a tree."

The association said it is seeing an uptick in younger families choosing to go down the real tree route, which is why the demand is now so high and continues to grow each year.

"It's just been our family tradition for myself and my wife," said Jake Francis after he cut down his tree with his two young children.

"Time to decorate right away. Mom's eager to get going."

Also on the Christmas tree search Sunday was Andrew McDonald, his wife Lana and two young daughters. Andrew McDonald, wife Lana and two daughters pick out their perfect real Christmas tree at Copeman Tree Farms in Sundridge. Dec. 3/23 (Eric Taschner/CTV Northern Ontario)

Saw in hand, once they spotted their perfect tree, they cut it, paid for it and took it home with them.

"This is the kickoff that really builds the tradition," McDonald said.

"It really puts the smell in the home and the beautiful fresh scent, to me, that's the start of the holidays."

Snow on the branch at Copeman Tree Farms in Sundridge. Dec. 3/23 (Eric Taschner/CTV Northern Ontario)

There are more than 420 Christmas tree farms in Ontario.

"So we've got lots of trees and lots of species," said Brennan.

Copeman said he expects the sales to pick up at the farm in the coming days and his dad also has a selection of trees in the parking lot at Independent Grocer in North Bay.

"It'll be pretty busy the next week and a half," he said.

"This weekend and next weekend, and maybe the weekend after that too with the weather and snow on the ground."

As more and more trees are cut down and carried away, finding the one for your house might be a bit more difficult.