Choose an Ontario Wood Tree this Season

Written by Ontario Newsroom on 04 December 2014

Ensure your Christmas tree is locally grown. Look for the Ontario Wood tag or ask the tree vendor where their trees were sourced. Supplied photonew

Find Ontario Christmas Tree and Greenery with the Click of a Mouse

Celebrate National Christmas Tree Day on December 6th by bringing home a locally-grown Ontario Christmas tree this holiday season.

“Christmas tree farms play an important role in supporting healthy ecosystems and human health. These trees provide wildlife habitat protection for small birds and animals and to all of us, they’re literally a breath of fresh air. They act as air pollution filters, soaking up carbon dioxide emitted by cars, planes and homes, turning it into oxygen.” Rob Keen, CEO, Forests Ontario

This holiday season, the Ontario government, Forests Ontario and the Christmas Tree Farmers of Ontario are teaming up to support and promote sustainably grown Ontario Christmas trees.

“Ontario Christmas trees are sustainably grown, recyclable and biodegradable. Ontarians are helping to support Ontario tree farmers, our environment and our economy when buying a locally-grown Christmas tree and greenery for the holiday season.” Bill Mauro, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry

This year the hunt for the perfect Christmas tree, garland or wreath is now at the tip of your fingers with the launch of Ontario Wood‘s interactive map listing all the local Christmas tree farms in your area. Be sure to look for the Ontario Wood tag when purchasing your Christmas tree and greenery at your local retailer.

Top ten tips for a perfect Ontario Christmas Tree experience:

Involve the whole family – everyone, young and old, can help pick the family Christmas tree.
Map it out – your perfect Ontario Christmas tree could be just around the corner at a Christmas tree farm or retailer near you.
Make it fit – be sure to know the size of your space and door frames. Better yet, bring a tape measure to ensure a perfect fit.
Find your mate – not sure which type of Christmas tree to pick? Try our online tree matchmaking quiz.
Breathe it in – real trees smell like winter for weeks. Choose a tree with strong green colour and a noticeable evergreen fragrance.
Go the distance – trees near the parking lot get picked over. For best selection, venture further into the farm.
Set it up right – trim a half inch of the tree stump before putting it in water to keep it fresh longer.
Keep it simple – real Christmas trees are all-natural — no assembly required. All you need is a stand and water to keep a tree hydrated at all times.
Enjoy the ride – many tree farms offer fun-filled wintery activities. Cap off your tree hunting trip with a sleigh ride and hot chocolate.
Spread the holiday cheer – buying a locally grown tree supports your local economy.

“Purchasing a real Christmas tree in Ontario is not only good for the environment, and Ontario’s economy, it also brings families together and creates memories you will cherish forever.” Shirley Brennan, Executive Director, Christmas Tree Farmers of Ontario

Quick Facts

One million Christmas trees are harvested at more than 600 Christmas tree farms each year and sold across Ontario, generating approximately $12 million in farm gate sales, helping to support jobs and local economies across the province.
It takes eight to 10 years to grow an eight-foot Christmas tree, depending on the species. For every one tree harvested, at least three seedlings are planted in its place.
Every acre of planted Christmas trees produces enough daily oxygen for 18 people.
Natural Christmas trees are recyclable and completely biodegradable.
Dec. 6, 2014 is National Christmas Tree Day, a day to celebrate the benefits of buying natural Christmas trees.