Bring a Local Christmas Tree Home for the Holidays

Friday, 14 December 2018 08:08.PM

(Toronto, December 14, 2018) - Celebrate Christmas Tree Day with a Locally-Grown Evergreen

Ontario's Government for the People is encouraging everyone to shop for locally grown Christmas trees this holiday season to support Ontario farmers and related businesses. Buying Ontario trees puts $11.3 million into the provincial economy every year.

"This holiday season I encourage everyone to shop for a locally grown Christmas tree and support our local farmers," said Ernie Hardeman, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. "Ontario's home-grown Christmas tree farms make the season even merrier, and choosing a locally grown tree is a great way to support Ontario farmers who work so hard to bring the very freshest fir, pine and spruce Christmas trees to your family each year."

"On Christmas Tree Day, we invite families from around the province to participate in the time-honoured tradition of finding the perfect Christmas tree at one of our Christmas tree farms," said John Yakabuski, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry. "Let's support our small businesses - they are the backbone of Ontario's economy and essential to local communities."

A living Christmas tree requires the same care as a cut flower.


Follow these suggestions to keep it fresh and safe:

1. If you buy your tree several days before you plan to set it up, store the tree outdoors until you are ready to decorate. An area that provides protection from the wind and sun will help the tree retain its moisture.
2. If you plan to store the tree for several days, make a straight cut across the bottom of the tree about one inch from the end so it can more easily take up water. Store the tree upright in a container of water.
3. When you bring the tree into the house for decorating, make another fresh cut across the trunk about an inch from the original cut. Use a tree stand that holds plenty of water, ideally at least four litres.
4. Trees are thirsty, so be sure to check daily and supply fresh water as needed. If the water level drops below the bottom of the tree, a seal will form and a new cut will be necessary.
5. Place your tree away from fireplaces, radiators, television sets and other sources of heat. Turn off the tree lights when you leave and before you retire at night.
6. Check all electric lights and connections and avoid combustible decorations. Do not use lights with worn or frayed cords and never use lighted candles on a Christmas tree.


Quick Facts

- For every Christmas tree harvested for the holidays, two new ones are planted to regenerate Ontario tree farms.
- Each year, nearly 625 Ontario Christmas tree farms produce more than one million Christmas trees. Christmas tree farms generate $11.3 million in sales for Ontario farmers and related businesses.


SOURCE: Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs

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