Last year, reports of a Christmas tree shortage were enough to make anyone scrooge, and while there are constant supply shortages, Canadian farmers are finding ways to make sure no family goes without a tree this season.
According to Statistics Canada, between 2011 and 2021, nearly 20,000 hectares of Christmas tree farms have been lost and the total number of farms reported has dropped from 2,381 to 1,364.  Shirley Brennan, the executive director of the Canadian Christmas Trees Association, says those acres have lost their character in heavy losses from extreme weather such as droughts in provinces like Ontario or a lack of workers due to non-retirement or farm succession.
“Ten years, which is the growing season for a Christmas tree, what do you lose in that 10-year period, 20,000 acres, which contributes to 30 million trees. So there will be fewer trees? Yes. That means someone is going to go without tree? No, it’s not,” Brennan told CTVNews.ca in a Nov. 1 phone interview.
Christmas tree farms say Canadians can expect higher prices this season as farmers have seen their costs rise for fertilizer, insurance and tractor fuel.  While it remains unclear how much prices could increase for consumers, Brennan says this will vary by farm.
Kim Frocklage, owner and operator of Santa’s Forest in Victoria, BC, says tree pricing varies each year depending on size and species, but she estimates price increases can be anywhere between 10 and 15 percent.  The Noble Fir tree, which is the most popular choice at her farm, ranges from $60-$90 depending on size. 
In addition, he says he is experiencing supply issues with accessories such as tree supports, which have not only increased in price but have been back-ordered for months.  While her farm is also still reeling from the severe weather seen on the West Coast from droughts and fires that have left piles of trees, she hopes the weather will once again turn in the trees’ favor.
“It’s a cyclical thing, so there’s probably going to be a lot of trees coming back into the market in another five or six years, but it’s going to take some time to come out and recover again,” he told CTVNews.  .ca in a phone interview on November 7.
Pam Martin, owner of Cedar Hills Christmas Tree Farm in Pakenham, Ont., says increased fuel and insurance costs are the main factors contributing to slightly higher prices at her farm.  The most sought-after tree on her farm, the Fraser Fir, costs about $89 before tax.
“There will probably be a moderate price increase with everyone having noticed that there has been an increase in the price of fuel, even more so in dyed diesel, which we use to run all our tractors on the farm,” he told CTVNews.ca.  telephone interview on November 7th.
“I think everyone is also experiencing an increase in premiums this year, so there will be a little price increase to offset some of those factors.”


WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR WHEN BUYING 
Although weather challenges and rising costs have been difficult for Canadian farmers, Brennan says customers are already adjusting their tree buying habits and looking at all their options to offset any problems with trees in stock.
“People are now starting to look outside the box. We’re getting more and more requests for table trees, different sizes and different species, so we’re seeing that trend shift more,” Brennan said.
Brennan also suggests checking what types of trees local farms carry, because not every farm will carry all the more popular species like fraser fir, spruce or pine.  Brennan says soil conditions on some farms may not be able to sustain certain species, so it’s important to check with the farm first to find either that species or an alternative.
Above all, Brennan says Canadians should enjoy all the moments that come with owning a tree after all the intensive farming.
“Growing a Christmas tree is a labor of love, so when you go to a farm, enjoy it. Enjoy what they have to offer, whether it’s different activities or just spending time enjoying the outdoors with your family, because why that’s there.” he said.