Are you searching for information regarding the production, marketing, benefits or other subjects relating to Christmas trees? Take a look at these frequently asked questions to learn more about our industry.
Questions regarding economics
How many Christmas tree producers are there in Québec?
In 2020, 266 producers were registered to the MAPAQ. Together, they cover 8 538 hectares of farmland (51% of this land is located in the Eastern Townships).
How many Christmas trees are sold annually?
In 2020, 800 000 trees were estimated to have been sold accross Canada grossing 16 million dollars in Quebec.
Québec is the largest producer of Christmas trees in Canada and 71% of all Christmas trees exported from Canada come from Québec.
Which countries import the most Christmas trees from Québec?
trees: 98% of trees grown in Quebec are exported to the U.S., mainly on the East Coast. Christmas trees produced in Quebec are sent across the world to decorate households in countries such as Panama, Bermuda, Barbados, Curaçao, Aruba and the United Arab Emirates.
Questions regarding Ecology
What are the advantages of buying a natural Christmas tree instead of an artificial one?
Natural Christmas trees produce oxygen while growing, can be recycled and trap carbon dioxide. Real Christmas trees produce an environmental advantage while artificial trees do not. The natural Christmas tree industry creates many jobs in rural regions throughout Canada across different industries and offers a beautiful product that is renewable, high quality and part of our environmental heritage. When harvested, the cycle is constantly sustained with the planting of new seedlings.
Visit our webpage on the advantages of buying a real Christmas tree to learn more.
How much time does it take for a Christmas tree to attain full maturity?
From seed it can take up to 10-12 years to be ready for sale. When starting from a seedling, it will take an additional 5-6 years for the tree to start being commercially viable. A Christmas tree will grow about a foot per year.
How do I maintain my Christmas tree properly and keep it’s freshness?
Please visit our section regarding the maintenance of your Christmas tree.
Are pesticides used in Christmas tree production?
Christmas Tree growers strive to use the least amount of pesticides possible, unlike other crops Christmas tree production uses much less pesticides. However like any other crop, protecting against weeds, diseases and insects is inevitable. Nowadays, only qualified people with an official certification can purchase and use pesticides. Furthermore, most growers have followed a proper course on the use of pesticides in order to better succeed in obtaining the certification. By being well informed, growers can reduce the number of applications of pesticides and properly protect the environment surrounding their crops.
Do other environmentally friendly alternatives exist instead of pesticides?
The APANQ adheres to the goal of finding new eco-friendly methods to protect against weeds, diseases and insects and we encourage our members to follow suit in this goal. It is indeed very complex to protect Christmas tree plantations without the use of pesticides. Fortunately, many agronomist clubs who specialize in Christmas tree plantations offer counseling to growers and help detect any potential harm to the plantation. With the help from their teams, growers can reduce the amount of pesticides used in their plantation.
Questions for wholesale buyers and producers
Where can I find Christmas trees for my business?
Due to the high demand, it’s better to directly contact growers to learn about availability and pricing.
Where can I buy seedlings for my Christmas tree production?
By following the link below, you will find a list of growers offering a variety of seedlings for Christmas tree plantations. However, the APANQ is not responsible for the follow up regarding your purchase or the availability of the offered products and services. All interested clients must contact the growers directly.
Who can I contact to wholesale my Christmas trees?
Firstly, it is recommended to evaluate the desired price and the quantity of trees to be sold. Secondly, you may contact any local garden center, big box store, public market, municipality or any other potential local business a few months before the holidays. You may even contact another grower who might be interested in purchasing a large quantity of trees.
Who can I speak with for counseling on Christmas tree production?
Start with consulting the Agri-Réseau website where you can find a guide with helpful information and all the latest research regarding Christmas tree production. It is meant for new and existing businesses and offers many pages on subjects ranging from production, physiologie, planting, maintenance, harvest, marketing, costs and regulations.
Need information for an existing plantation?
If you already have a plantation but need a few technical tips, contact the Club Agro from your region, Fertior or the IQDHO. These organizations specialize in consulting businesses on a variety of subjects.
Need information for a new business?
Other than the aforementioned guide accessible on the Agri Réseeau website, you may contact the MAPAQ office from your region for more information.
Questions for retail clients
How do I choose and properly preserve my Christmas tree?
We suggest reading this article on how to keep your Christmas tree fresh (Arbres naturels : bien les choisir, bien les conserver) or visit our section How to Choose and Maintain your Tree.
Where can I buy a Christmas tree?
If you wish to enjoy a unique experience, you can find a plantation offering a ‘’cut your own’’ Christmas tree by consulting this list. You can also visit local garden centres, public markets or simply keep an eye out for vendors stationed around your town. Usually, sales start around the end of November.
What are different ways to recycle my Christmas tree after the Holidays?
Visit our section How to Choose and Maintain your Tree: how to Recycle for further information.