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
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.