TIMELY TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL CHRISTMAS TREE HUNT
More than one million Christmas trees are grown annually in Ontario. Photo OMNR
Ontario Grown Christmas Trees Great Choice for the Season
As part of their holiday tradition, many Ontarians will soon be thinking about their need for a Christmas tree to complement their festive celebration.
As luck would have it, more than 500 Ontario farmers work year-round to produce in excess of one million Christmas trees annually from which families can choose.
Real trees have been synonymous with Christmas for centuries. In addition to creating lasting memories associated with the hunt, decoration and enjoyment of this natural beauty, real Christmas trees are actually good for the environment – before and after they’re cut.
“Christmas trees are grown as crops on tree farms, similar to an agricultural crop,” says Shirley Brennan, Executive Director of the Christmas Tree Farmers of Ontario (CTFO). “Not all trees are harvested at the same time, allowing for continuous habitat for wildlife, retention of soil and water and prevention of seasonal runoff. And when trees are harvested, new seedlings are planted to grow trees for future holiday seasons. So there’s a continuum of trees growing at all times.”
Christmas tree farms soak up carbon dioxide emitted by cars, planes and homes. Every acre (about 0.4 hectares) of planted Christmas trees provides the daily oxygen needed by 18 people. Natural Christmas trees are 100 per cent biodegradable and can be recycled. Many municipalities collect the trees after the holiday season to chip them for use as mulch in municipal parks.
David Orazietti, Ontario’s Minister of Natural Resources, says in buying a locally grown Christmas tree, either direct from a tree farm or from a retail vendor, Ontarians are helping to support businesses in their community and by extension, the economy of Ontario.
And because of their proximity to the purchaser, a locally grown tree is likely to be more fresh than one imported from outside the province, says Orazietti. “All in all, consumers can feel good about buying a Christmas tree grown close to home.”
Everyone has a favourite. Whether it be a fir, pine or spruce, Ontario Christmas tree farmers offer up a range of evergreens. Choosing one really comes down to personal preference, physical requirements, budget and availability.
Before you and your family venture out in search of that “perfect” tree, arm yourself with some important information and tools:
- Consider where in your home you’ll display your tree. Grab a tape measure and record the height and width available for a tree and size of your door frames. Bring the tape measure with you to ensure an accurately-sized tree is chosen.
- Dress for the weather (layered clothes are best) and bring snacks and fluids as the hunt could take longer than expected.
- If heading to a tree farm, confirm any hay rides or other fun activities offered at the farm to add to the overall experience for your family. The trees closest to the parking lot tend to get picked over first. You may have better luck further into the field.
- Check for freshness. Pick a tree with strong green colour and a noticeable fragrance. The needles should be resilient. To check this, slip a branch through your fingers – the needles should adhere to the branch. If bent gently, an unfrozen needle from a fresh tree should form a “u” shape without breaking.
- When it’s time to make the first cut, ensure you’re on a level line. Allow for enough trunk length to be secured in your tree stand, and always saw away from your body to avoid injury.
Ontario Wood encourages Ontarians to purchase made-in-Ontario wood products, including locally grown Christmas trees. Among other Ontario forestry products organizations, the CTFO, the Ontario Forestry Association and Trees Ontario have teamed up with the ministry to help support this program.
To ensure you’re purchasing an Ontario grown Christmas tree, look for the Ontario Wood tag or simply ask the retail vendor where their trees were sourced. To find a Christmas tree farm closest to you, go to ChristmasTrees.on.ca. To learn more about Ontario Wood and its many benefits, visit Ontario.ca/wood.
