Christmas tree farming is evolving due to various challenges faced by tree farmers. Michael Cormack, a third-generation Christmas tree farmer from Goodwood, Ont., highlighted the impact of unpredictable weather on his farm. Extreme weather events like tornadoes and heatwaves have caused significant damage to their tree crops.
Apart from weather challenges, the rising cost of living and land prices are also affecting the industry. Kelsey Leonard from the University of Waterloo pointed out that many Christmas tree farmers are aging out, leading to a decline in the number of young farmers entering the industry.
Additionally, U.S. tariffs are expected to impact the cost of equipment used in tree farming. The debate between real and artificial trees’ environmental impact continues, with experts emphasizing the carbon footprint associated with artificial trees due to their plastic components and transportation requirements.
Leonard recommended supporting local tree farmers by opting for real trees, which are considered more eco-friendly. For those using artificial trees, she advised maximizing their lifespan through repurposing and recycling efforts. Cormack emphasized the importance of viewing tree farming as a sustainable practice, where trees are replanted each year to maintain environmental balance.
Despite recent trends favoring artificial trees, Cormack observed a resurgence in the demand for real trees, especially with an early start to the holiday season post-pandemic.