Christmas tree season starts early as growers tout Fraser fir for longevity

Natural Christmas trees are on sale earlier than usual, with growers recommending Fraser firs for their durability and scent.

Christmas is still almost a month away, but natural trees are already on sale across the region. For people looking for a real tree, there are several options.

At the Marché de l’Ouest, it already smells like an evergreen forest with so many trees on display. Grower and vendor Eric Raymond says those buying early should choose a Fraser fir.

“The Fraser, it’s the best type of tree. That’s the one that lasts the most. They keep their needles really long, they stay green. They’re nice. It’s the best.”

Over at the Atwater Market, the Christian Marois kiosk is selling Fraser fir and balsam trees. The balsam variety smells very Christmassy, but doesn’t hold its needles as long, so plan on a clean-up job after the holidays.

In the Eastern Townships, grower Stephan Perreault of Plantations Stephan Perreault says a soggy spring helped his 70,000 trees establish themselves before the dry summer set in.

“The spring was really wet. May and June was good, you know, for the trees because we received rain May and June. But after that, in July and August, it was dry.”

At Quinn Farm in Notre-Dame-de-l’Île-Perrot, executive director Gabrielle Dumas says watering during the driest days made a difference.

“With the drought this summer, it affected a little bit the baby trees that were planted. So they required a little bit more care. But if not, everything that was older, the roots were more stable. So everything went generally well in our Christmas tree plantation.”

Despite the weather swings, Perreault says prices have not gone up this season.

“Between six and eight feet, it’s $65 here in the Eastern Townships, and probably more in the Montreal area.”

All these farms offer a “U-cut” option for families who want to visit in person. Raymond says if you buy a pre-cut tree, make sure the vendor trims the trunk so it can absorb water more easily once you set it up at home, because a healthy tree makes for a nicer holiday experience.