By-Ishan Sohi
Ekam Singh came to Canada in September. The Seneca College student who also works part time at Tim Hortons, wants to have a real Canadian Christmas, but he is worried about the added cost of decorating his home. He says the shortage of Christmas trees and the rising cost may put a damper on his celebrations. He says he has lots of other bills to pay.
A Christmas tree shortage is anticipated to increase costs, with Balsam firs set to reach $200. Darek Elliott From ELLIOTT TREE FARMS tells SENECA news that Extreme weather, a labour scarcity, and high demand are all contributing to a lack of Christmas trees this holiday season and raising the price. Elliott Tree Farm is located in Hillsburgh north of the city.
Shirley Brennan , executive director of the Canadian Christmas Tree Growers Association, told the Toronto Star, various variables, such as record demand and inflation, are to blame for the declining quantity and growing price of Christmas trees. She said real trees became increasingly popular during the pandemic as a result of families being stranded at home and unable to socialize with friends. Statistics prove that demand has been surging . Brennan said In 2015 the industry contributed only $53 million but it increased to an over $100 million industry.
Brennan says the shortage is exacerbated because about 20,000 acres of Christmas tree plantations were lost between 2011 and 2021 from a lack of workers and tree farmers retiring.
“If a trader orders more than 500 of her trees from a grower, they can only get 100 of her trees” Judy Clark, manager of Toronto’s East End Garden Center said. Her centres has already started selling Christmas trees. Many people are now shifting to artificial Balsam trees to celebrate their Christmas this year after pandemic . The best thing about real tree is that it makes your home smell great all winter long. And the true meaning of Christmas.
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