Why holiday tree rentals are growing in popularity

Mike Farlinger has built a successful business offering Edmonton-area families the option for a more sustainable real Christmas tree.

A local holiday tree rental service has only grown in popularity over the past few years, says the business owner.

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Mike Farlinger, manager of Farlinger Farms southeast of Edmonton, expects to rent 400 growing spruce and pine trees this season.

That is massive growth from the 10 or so he rented the first year, about seven years ago.

Farlinger says the option to rent is appealing beyond the environmental benefits.

“A lot of people, they like to have the same tree if they can,” he told CTV News Edmonton in a recent interview of year-over-year repeat customers.

“They get it for the Christmas season, keep it in their yard, and then they plant it… And then they come back for another tree so they can plant that somewhere.”

The trees are priced according to their type and size. Customers pay a deposit, which is refunded when they bring the tree back in good condition.

The evergreens are in renting condition for six or seven years, then will be used in residential and civic projects.

“It’s a lot of work. To see someone appreciate that work is really good,” Farlinger said.

“Especially when there’s a lot of snow… it’s a really good time to come out.”

With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Brenden Purdy