Christmas tree shortage for a 2nd straight year in addition to price hike

Shirley Brennan, executive director of the Canadian Christmas Trees Association, said the decline of the trees is due to the lack of producers available to harvest them.

In a long list of supply shortage issues, Christmas trees can be added to that list for a second straight year. But this year, some vendors say they are experiencing a double whammy due to inflation.

Nikki van Duyvendyk is one of the owners of Dutch Growers Garden Centre, a Saskatoon business that sells real Christmas trees.

Van Duyvendyk said since the COVID-19 pandemic began, Saskatchewan residents’ desire to own a real tree has grown. She was hoping to buy more than her usual amount, but her plans were chopped.

“We’re absolutely in the same position as we were last year,” she said.

“And obviously, trees take a long time to get to this level to be able to sell on this. So … we’re still in the same boat as last year.”

Shirley Brennan, executive director of the Canadian Christmas Trees Association, said the decline of the trees is due to the lack of producers available to harvest them.

“We’re seeing retirement with no succession plans,” she said. “The young people aren’t going into farming.

“Our producers are retiring, or God forbid, they’re passing away. And nobody is maintaining that farm as a Christmas tree farm.”