Alberta Christmas tree shortage due to rising demand

The tradition of purchasing real Christmas trees remains alive, but a business owner in south Edmonton says the industry is facing challenges in meeting growing demand, largely due to the impact of COVID-19 and environmental factors.

“The availability is lower than it’s ever been. There was a peak during COVID when people were forced to stay home. That peak demand really depleted stock,” explained Perry Stothart, a certified horticulturalist at Classic Landscapes.

Stothart, with over 30 years of experience in the business, said his company has brought in several hundred trees this year, but he expects them to sell out before Christmas. “We are getting some in the next week or so and will sell out. But it’s an opportunity for people if they wait a little too long. It’s not quite over yet, but we’re getting there,” he added.

In Calgary, the surge in demand for real Christmas trees is also evident. A tree lot outside Holy Cross Anglican Church in the city’s northwest anticipates closing early due to the high demand.

“Twenty-five per cent of the trees were pretty much sold before the lot opened,” said Lorne Webber from 31st St. Cyprian’s Scout Group. “As you can see, all we have left is 10 trees. Probably today is the last day.”

Stothart noted additional factors contributing to the shortage. “We are seeing fewer tree farms growing Christmas trees,” he said. “You can have pests in different parts of the country which can restrict our ability to ship trees across the country.”

The shortage has even affected major retailers. Last year, stores like Ikea stopped selling trees in Canada due to supply issues.

This year, Home Depot stated it has increased its inventory to meet demand, calling Edmonton one of its strongest Canadian markets. However, CityNews visited two Home Depot locations in south Edmonton on Monday and found no trees available.