Spruce up your Christmas tree this year by buying local
Posted Dec 7, 2019 04:07:00 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Still looking for a Christmas tree? Before hitting the stores for a fake one, consider buying a real one from a local Christmas tree farm.
Saturday, Dec. 7th is Christmas Tree Day in Ontario, and the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs is acknowledging the work of local Christmas tree farms.
With 530 Christmas tree farms across the province, Ontario Christmas tree farms generate more than $12 million in sales per year.
This year, John Yakabuski, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry, says he encourages families to buy local.
“There's nothing like the fresh smell of a real, Ontario Christmas tree in your home to spark the fond memories of past Christmases,” says Yakabuski, “More than a million trees will bring the spirit of the season home across the province.”
Not only is it festive, but the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs also says Ontario-grown Christmas trees are a sustainable agricultural group.
According to them, for every Christmas tree harvested in the province, 10 more trees are growing in its place.
“Buying an Ontario-grown tree supports our hardworking Christmas tree farmers, promotes environmental sustainability and helps our province's economy.” says Ernie Hardeman, Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.
Fraser fir, scotch pine and white spruce are the top three Christmas trees in Ontario because of their classic shape and good needle retention.
“This year, as you prepare for the holiday season, consider branching out and include a locally grown Christmas tree into your festivities,” says Hardeman.
Before buying a tree, residents should plan ahead on where to display the tree and measuring all entranceways to avoid purchasing a tree that's too big.
When taking care of the tree, the province recommends cutting two inches off the trunk before setting it up, and watering it everyday to make it last throughout the holidays.
In Waterloo Region, residents can purchase a Christmas tree from Maryhill Christmas Tree Farm in Breslau, or at Benjamin Tree Farm in Waterloo.
