High Demand for Real Christmas Trees in Alberta
Despite the growing popularity of artificial Christmas trees, real trees are experiencing unprecedented demand in Alberta, with many tree lots in Calgary and Edmonton selling out by mid-December. The festive season has sparked a rush among Albertans eager to secure the perfect centerpiece for their holiday celebrations.
Tree Lots Report Rapid Sales
At Countryside Christmas Trees, located in the Southland Canadian Tire parking lot in Calgary, longtime employee Larry Swalm reported remarkable sales activity. Within just four hours of opening for the season on November 23, 2025, they had already sold 22 trees. "As soon as they saw the gate open, they were running here," Swalm remarked, highlighting the eagerness of customers.
Swalm's lot stocks approximately 800 trees, all sourced from New Brunswick. He noted that prices for most trees have remained stable compared to the previous year, with the exception of some of the largest trees, which have seen a slight increase due to higher shipping costs. Swalm anticipates that his lot will typically sell out by December 15, with over 80 customers visiting daily throughout December.
A Festive Experience Drives Popularity
The appeal of real trees goes beyond mere decoration. According to Swalm, customers are drawn to specific characteristics. "We have one tree that’s a Nova Scotia Balsam. It’s noted for how fragrant it is. It really has a nice smell in the house," he said. The Frasier fir is another popular choice, prized for its strong branches that can better support ornaments.
This trend is not isolated to Calgary. At Fir Ever Green Tree farm in Falun, central Alberta, co-owner Peter Kappeler reported similar enthusiasm. The farm, which began selling trees last week, stocks up to 1,000 trees and expects to continue sales until Christmas Eve. "Weekends are always crazy busy," Kappeler said, noting they can receive up to 500 customers. He described the tree-buying trip as a "day out to his farm," where families enjoy the ambiance, take pictures, and personally select their tree from the field.
Farm owners attribute the sustained high demand for live trees to several factors, including record levels of immigration and population growth in Alberta's major urban centers. This annual tradition, combining the search for the perfect tree with a cherished family outing, continues to thrive, ensuring that real Christmas trees remain a hot commodity well into the holiday season.
