If you want a Christmas tree this year you had better buy one fast! Word among the seasonal lumberjacks is that the sales of everything from balsam firs to blue spruces are off the charts.

“It’s going quite briskly as compared to other years,” comments Pierre Fontaine of Oakridge Greenhouse, noting certain tree varieties have already sold out at his business. Fontaine attributes the rush to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“Because of what is happening in the world right now, people are at home and they are looking for something to do, and putting up Christmas trees this year is one of those things they can do.”

On that, Timber Trails Owner Dan Friesen agrees.

“We concluded that there is not a lot going on and I think people are anxious to stay home, set up a tree in their house, and make it all look festive.”

At Timber Trails this year customers will simply be given one of many pre-selected trees upon arrival.

In light of the pandemic, both men say business operations are quite different this year. At Oakridge, customers are encouraged to call ahead of time. When he picks up the phone, Fontaine says he asks the customers three essential questions: How tall do you want it? How wide do you want it? How full do you want it?

“With answers to those three, I can easily select a tree that basically meets the need of all of the customers that we have.”

After choosing a tree to his consumers' specifications, Fontaine says it is set aside for curbside pickup.

Friesen is also doing curbside pickup. For an establishment that typically markets itself as a "fun family outing", he said converting their operation into a drive-thru was disappointing. Timber Trails visitors are asked to drive right on up, no appointment necessary, and Friesen’s staff will give them a tree that fits the height requirements they are looking for.

“A lot of our customers want to look at the trees and decide is this the one or is that the one and this year they are going to have some faith in me that I can do that for them,” states Friesen. “I know it is not the ideal situation, but we are trying to make the best of it.”

While he laments losing traditions like enjoying sleigh rides, bonfires, and hot cocoa right after choosing the perfect tree, he does not believe the lack of such activities will slow sales.

“The phone has been ringing off the hook here for the past two weeks now. A lot of customers still want to support us.”

Timber Trails opened up for the season just this past weekend and Friesen already senses the same urgency as Fontaine. His advice? “If you are looking for a live Christmas tree, don’t leave it to the last minute because I don’t think there will be a lot available later on!”

What is true for Oakridge and Timber trails seems to be True right across the region. People who want the festive foliage in their homes this season are wise to act now.