Why surging demand for Christmas trees is facing a flurry of problems

The Christmas tree farming industry in Canada is facing growing challenges, including increased demand, a shortage of younger farmers, climate change and rising costs.

For many families across Canada, cutting down a Christmas tree is a cherished holiday tradition.

But experts warn there may be a future snag as the industry faces growing demand coupled with environmental problems.

The desire for real Christmas trees has skyrocketed since lockdowns began in 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic, according to experts, and some sellers are struggling to keep up— with some farms already sold out for the season.

“Our industry has grown so rapidly in the last five years. Since 2020, it has really increased and so we are having a hard time keeping up with the demand,” said Shirley Brennan, the executive director of the Canadian Christmas Trees Association.

“Christmas tree farmers plant things in 10-year segments and it means farmers may not be able to plant the amount they need,” she told Global News.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit and people were stuck indoors, Brennan said, many embraced the chance to get outside and pick out a Christmas tree. Since then, demand has only grown, with more people sticking to the tradition of cutting down their own tree year after year.

Christmas tree farms can be found all across Canada, from British Columbia to the Maritimes. In 2021, there were more than 1,300 of these tree-filled businesses nationwide, with Ontario boasting the most, according to Statistics Canada.

And 90 per cent of Christmas trees produced in Canada are farm-grown, according to the Canadian Christmas Tree Association.