Prince Edward Islanders purchased approximately 18,000
Christmas trees in 1998. Over 80 percent of these were
grown on the Island. Some Island growers export their
trees to areas such as Puerto Rico and Boston. While
approximately half of North Americans own artificial
Christmas trees—a popular trend during the 1960s and
1970s—many fewer Islanders tend to assemble the
plastic and metal faux trees in their homes
during the holiday season. The combination of commitment
to tradition and a cultural closeness to the land inspire
many Islanders to erect a locally-grown, aromatic fir.
There are 35 Christmas tree growers in Prince Edward
Island. Approximately 15 of these are growing and selling
their trees, while the lots belonging to the remaining
twenty have yet to reach maturity. Most of the small
Christmas tree operations sell directly to consumers,
whereas the larger growers tend to wholesale to
distributors.
Island producers grow almost exclusively (95 percent)
balsam fir. The remainder is made up of various pine
species. Tree-growing is a labour-intensive activity that
involves a long-term commitment; it takes an average of
ten years for a tree to get from seedling to living room.
Throughout these ten years, the trees require constant
protection and care. Seedlings are planted in rows spaced
far apart. In the fifth or sixth year, the trees are
pruned (the lower branches removed) to give the tree
shape and fullness. Sheering (cutting the tips to
encourage bushiness) is done by hand using knives or hand
sheers. Weed control is a special challenge. This is
accomplished by mowing or herbicide application or by
planting a low-growing cover-crop, such as clover, to
control weeds and improve soil. Mice and rabbits can kill
young seedlings while insects, disease and fire are of
constant concern. The fir’s dark green colour and
long needles also require diligent application of
fertilizer to the soil.
The two months leading up to Christmas are hectic times
for tree farmers. The larger operations harvest their
trees and sell them to wholesalers who then distribute
them to retailers. Other direct sellers operate tree
“U-picks” that give buyers the opportunity to
make their Christmas tree selection into a family
excursion, complete with a stroll through the woods and
perhaps a picnic among the firs.
