Real Christmas trees in high demand as holidays approach

Those looking for real Christmas trees might want to buy now or risk missing out.

Demand for real Christmas trees is once again high and supply is very low, according to Rick van Duyvendyk of Dutch Growers.

“(The shortage) has been right across (the country). They had a (good) crop a bunch of years ago and then with the pandemic, everyone stayed home and put up live Christmas trees,” he told Wednesday’s Greg Morgan Morning Show.

As a result of the surge in demand over the past couple years, van Duyvendyk said he’s having a tough time getting enough supply to accommodate those on the hunt for that perfect tree.

“There is a huge problem. I’ve been dealing with a Christmas tree supplier for forever and I always get what I’ve ordered in numbers,” he said.

“I’ve tried to order more because the last couple years we’ve been running out quickly and they won’t give me anymore. They say, ‘What you ordered last year is all you’re going to get.’ ”

Van Duyvendyk mentioned his supplier has also had to cut off some smaller vendors looking for trees because there simply aren’t enough of them.

Van Duyvendyk added the cost of trees has also gone up because of the shortage.

“Depending on the type of tree, you’re looking at (paying) $10 to $20 more than normal,” he stated.

A five- or six-foot tree, which is the best one people can buy, will cost $79 to $89.

If people are buying a real tree this year, van Duyvendyk had some tips for how they can preserve it for as long as possible.

“To make it last long, you want to make sure is that when you store it, make sure you put it in a shady location. Once you take the tree in the home, you want to make a fresh cut and make sure you have a stand that has a lot of water,” he explained.

“Make sure you buy some Christmas tree preserver and it helps keeps the pores open from the Christmas tree.”

It’s also recommended people drill a couple of holes in the tree to help preserve it longer.

For those who want to cut down their own tree, the Saskatchewan government has an option. The “Trim Your Tree” program is to begin Saturday in Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park.