The provincial government is urging Ontarians to celebrate old traditions or create new ones by bringing home a local, sustainably-grown Ontario Christmas tree.
“It’s easy and fun to support local businesses throughout the holiday season,” states a press release from the premier’s office, which offers eight things to keep in mind this year when choosing your Ontario Christmas tree:
– real Christmas trees are an all-natural and healthy option – no plastic and no chemicals;
– finding a locally grown Christmas tree is easy. Look for an Ontario Wood tag when picking a tree from a lot or retailer, or take your family and friends to harvest your own at a local tree farm;
– can’t decide whether you want a pine, spruce or fir? Take an online quiz to find the best tree for the situation;
– be prepared by measuring door frames and rooms before purchasing to avoid getting a tree that is too big – and don’t forget to take a tape measure shopping;
– not sure how to identify a fresh tree? Fresh needles won’t fall off when you slide your hand along the branches and they won’t break when you bend them;
– take good care of your tree by cutting the bottom two inches off the trunk when you get it home and keep it well hydrated every day;
– need inspiration to decorate the tree? Invite family and friends over and decorate together; and
– locally grown Christmas trees aren’t the only way to decorate a home this season – add a festive touch with a locally grown wreath, garland, poinsettia or amaryllis.
To help give all Ontarians the opportunity to enjoy the holiday season, consider donating to a charity or food bank in your community, or volunteering your time at a local charitable organization.
“Whether you purchase a tree from a retail vendor or harvest it yourself at a tree farm, buying a sustainably-grown, local Christmas tree is a fun way to support Ontario’s farmers and your local economy,” says Jeff Leal, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.
“Celebrate … by finding a local Ontario Christmas Tree vendor to create lasting memories with your family and friends.”
Bill Mauro, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry, said, “Celebrate … by bringing home a locally-grown Christmas tree and greenery. By buying a real Christmas tree this holiday season, Ontarians are helping to support Ontario tree farmers, our environment and our economy.”
Christmas tree facts
In 2015, Ontario passed Christmas Tree Day Act, 2015 proclaiming the first Saturday of December each year as Christmas Tree Day.
Ontario consumers buy one million locally grown Christmas trees a year – generating approximately $12 million in farm sales, helping to support jobs and local economies across the province.
Christmas trees are grown as an agricultural crop on more than 600 Christmas tree farms in Ontario.
For every tree harvested, three seedlings are planted for future holiday seasons.
