Real Christmas Trees

Quebec Economical Impact

The province of Quebec is the main producer of Christmas trees in Canada, Quebec accounts for over 71% of all exported Christmas trees. In 2020, 266 Christmas tree farms were registered with the MAPAQ (ministère de l’Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l’Alimentation du Québec). Combined, these businesses cover a total of 8 538 hectares and 51% of that land is located in the Eastern townships. According to statistics gathered in 2020, Quebec exported 1 771 944 trees for a total value of 56,2 million dollars, representing 71% of the value for all Canadian Christmas tree exports, 14% less than in 2019 (2 053 111 trees).

Furthermore, in 2020 the number of trees sold within Canada is estimated at 800 000 trees, this generated a profit of roughly 16 million dollars in the province of Quebec. The United States of America (U.S.) is the largest importer of Québec grown christmas trees: 98% of trees grown in Quebec are exported to the U.S., mainly on the east coast to New York, Massachusetts and North Carolina. 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.

1 Reference : 2020 balance sheet provided b the ministère de l’Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l’Alimentation du Québec (MAPAQ) www.mapaq.gouv.qc.ca

Photos credit :
Sapinière and Pépinière Downey (Larry Downey)

Here are a few statistics on christmas tree production in Quebec. These statistics were taken from a yearly MAPAQ and APANQ survey (There were 42 members who answered the survey in 2022)

Did you know… ?

50 % of producers harvest less than 5 000 trees per year while 25% harvest 25 000
40% of producers sell more than 75% of their production within Quebec while 38% sell less than 25% within Quebec
67% of producers don’t sell any trees to the rest of Canada
36% of producers don’t export any trees out of Canada
65% of producers don’t do any ‘’cut your own’’ while 27% sell up to 500 trees per year through that process
Balsam fir (88%) and Fraser fir (60%) are the most popular trees
50% of the Christmas tree farm operators have more than 25 years of experience

For more information, please contact us.

Benefits

Christmas trees which are conifer trees create many benefits from an economic, environmental and a societal perspective through their production and commercialisation.

Here are a few examples.

Economic benefits

Environmental benefits

Stabilizes extreme weather (heat waves, prolonged cold) in urban areas
Reduces heat islands
Produces oxygen and captures carbon
Reduces pollution
Improves water management and soil stabilization
Acts as a habitat for birds and other fauna

Societal benefits

Improves general health
Reduces stress and discomfort
Favors horticultural therapy for improving mental and body health
Improves general wellness
Reduces aggressive and violent behavior
Creates leisure spaces which favor an active and peaceful lifestyle

Did you know…?

Natural Christmas trees can be recycled and absorb carbon while producing oxygen. Naturally, this isn’t the case with artificial trees.
The natural Christmas tree industry creates many jobs in rural regions throughout Canada and offers a very interesting product that is renewable, high quality and is part of our natural heritage.
When harvested, the cycle is constantly sustained with the planting of seedlings grown in nurseries.

The benefits

The natural Christmas tree: a Quebec tradition

We are proud to offer you superior quality Christmas trees every year. They are grown by local farmers who are passionate about their profession and committed to delivering the best quality Christmas tree to you.

The wonderful Christmas tree scent

Remember the specific scent of a Christmas tree from your childhood. Why not relive those emotions and share good moments around a natural Christmas tree?

The environmental choice

For every Christmas tree grown and harvested, the growers plant another tree for future harvests. They ensure the sustainability of the resource for ecological, environmental and economic purposes of Christmas tree plantations while avoiding excessive logging of trees in the forest.

What are the real benefits of choosing a natural tree?

A family tradition
100% recyclable
Eco-friendly
Supports the local economy
Purifies the air with its aroma.

VS

Artificial tree

Natural tree	VS	Artificial tree
	Family tradition
	100% recyclable
	Dense foliage
	Quick and easy to set up
	Family activity
	Resistant
	Eco-friendly choice
	Supports local economy
	Improves air quality
	Less expensive
	Easier to use