| | Christmas will soon be here, and picking out that perfect tree is a family ritual full of promise and fun. The refreshing scent of a live Christmas tree in the home is something that everyone will notice.
"More than two million trees are harvested as Christmas trees across Canada each year,” says Toso Bozic, agroforestry specialist with Alberta Agriculture and Forestry (AF). “We have very few Christmas tree growers in Alberta. The eastern provinces, British Columbia, Oregon and Washington State are the major suppliers of Christmas trees to Western Canada.”
Bozic says that species choice is very important when it comes to selecting a tree. “The balsam fir tree species is often considered the ‘real’ Christmas tree, and many growers grow this species for its special aroma. White spruce and varieties of pine are excellent choices as well.”
In Alberta, there are a few growers that offer u-cut Christmas trees. Explain Bozic, “This is a great opportunity to talk with growers and learn about Christmas tree production. Production involves planting, watering, weed control, pest control, shearing/shaping and making these tree perfect for you to buy. Besides the fun of choosing the right tree, getting lost in a sea of trees, going on a sleigh riding and drinking hot chocolate, purchasing from a u-cut also supports hard-working Alberta farming families.”
“Another option,” says Bozic, “Is a tree from Crown Land, and you will need obtain a Tree Cutting Permit from AF to do so. If you decide to go this route, make sure you are dressed appropriately for cold weather, bring tree-cutting tools, and have room in your vehicle for transporting the tree. Be sure to let your friends or family know the location where you are getting your tree."
“When cutting your own tree, you know that it’s fresh,” adds Bozic. “When buying a Christmas tree, be sure to conduct a freshness test. Grasp a branch between your thumb and forefinger and pull it towards you. The needles should be shiny and green, and no more than five or ten needles should come off in your hand. If it is very cold and dry outside, a few more needles may come off. Check the fragrance of the tree as well.”
Another important consideration when having a real Christmas tree in the house is fire safety. “It’s a wonderful family tradition, but be sure to follow the instructions for keeping the tree watered so that it doesn’t dry out and present a fire hazard. As well, real Christmas trees are 100 per cent reusable and recyclable. Once the needles are off you, can chip it or use it in a wood stove or fire pit if weather permits. You can also contact your municipality for details of where and how to recycle the tree in January.”
For more information, go to the Prairie Christmas Tree Growers Association or contact Toso Bozic at 780-415-2681.
Contact:
Toso Bozic
780-415-2681 |
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