Sundridge Christmas tree farm sees strong demand as tree shortage grows
Bill Copeman and his family are busy pruning the planted Christmas trees at Copeman Tree Farms ahead of what they expect will be a busy holiday season.
“We’ve already had a few customers,” said Copeman. “But it’ll get really busy starting next weekend.”
A lot of work goes into preparing for the holiday rush.
Copeman plants eight different species in the spring. He said going from seed to harvest takes between 10-12 years.
“We had to cut all the old trees that got too big, and had a machine come in and pull the stumps out and buy the little seedlings and plant them,” he said.
While the supply is steady here, other Christmas tree farms aren’t so lucky. Increased demand and adverse weather have created a shortage of real trees this season.
“In northern Ontario, the weather is unpredictable as well,” said Shirley Brennan, Christmas Tree Farmers of Ontario executive director. “The growing season is different in northern Ontario and in a lot of cases, they have to bring in pre-cuts.”
Copeman said he’s received several calls from people in cities across Ontario asking if he would sell some of his Christmas tree stock wholesale. But this year, he wants to focus on his local buyers.
“If I were to wholesale, yeah I’d be short. But I’m not,” he said. “I’m just having all of the families pick their tree and look after the local people.”
The shortage is also partially being blamed on the COVID-19 pandemic, as industry experts say more families are likely choosing to stay home for the holidays and would need a tree.
“You may have to go outside of your comfort zone to get a tree," Brennan said. "You may not get that huge bushy one. You may have a tall and more slender one.”
For those who plan to buy a tree early before stock runs low, Brennan offered advice to keep it fresh.
"Make sure, if you're not putting it up, that you're going to leave it in a cool, damp place, but out of the elements," she said.
“You don't want the sun to be drying it out. So just make sure it's covered. You don't want the wind to dry it out either and then when you bring it in, make a fresh cut, put in water and water it every day and you will be good."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canadian gov't proposes new foreign influence registry as part of wide-spanning new bill
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government is proposing a suite of new measures and law changes aimed at countering foreign interference in Canada, amid extensive scrutiny over past meddling attempts and an ever-evolving threat landscape.
Boeing Starliner capsule's first crewed test flight postponed
The long-awaited first crewed test flight of Boeing's new Starliner space capsule was called off for at least 24 hours over a technical issue that launch teams were unable to resolve in time for the planned Monday night lift-off.
Teacher charged in historical sexual assault of Calgary teenage girl
Calgary police have charged a teacher with the alleged sexual assault of a teenage girl more than 20 years ago.
Winnipeg man admits to killing four women, argues he's not criminally responsible
Defence lawyers of Jeremy Skibicki have admitted in court the accused killed four Indigenous women, but argues he is not criminally responsible for the deaths by way of mental disorder – this latest development has triggered a judge-alone trial rather than a jury trial.
Man banned from owning animals after fatal Calgary dog attack
The owner of three Calgary dogs that got loose and mauled a woman to death in 2022 has been ordered to pay a $15,000 fine within one year and banned from owning any animal for 15 years.
East-end Ottawa family dealing with massive rat infestation
Residents in Ottawa’s Elmridge Gardens complex are dealing with a rat infestation that just won’t go away. Now, after doing everything they can to try to fix the issue, they are pleading with the city to step in and help.
Mediterranean staple may lower your risk of death from dementia, study finds
A daily spoonful of olive oil could lower your risk of dying from dementia, according to a new study by Harvard scientists.
An El Nino-less summer is coming. Here's what that could mean for Canada
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
Newfoundland and Labrador latest province to tighten rules on Airbnbs
Newfoundland and Labrador is the latest jurisdiction to bring in stricter rules for short-term rentals, with a coming set of regulations that will force operators to register with the provincial government.