While many Christmas tree sellers are dealing with a shortage this Christmas, longtime Langley tree farm Fernridge Christmas Tree Forest has plenty of supply.
Several Christmas tree farms have already shut down for the 2017 season, but Fernridge Christmas Tree Forest, located at 2828 208 St. in south Brookswood, has an abundant supply of Douglas fir and grand fir on its 14 acre field.
“We will be open for the next two weeks to give families that opportunity to continue their tree cutting traditions,” saidChris Neufeld, one of the owners of the farm.
“Fernridge Christmas Tree Forest is open every day until 9 p.m. We find that many people appreciate being able to pick up a tree in the evening hours to fit in with family schedules.”
They provide guests with flashlights so that they can walk the fields in the moonlight to find the perfect tree.
They also offer free apple cider, hot chocolate and candy canes.
Fernridge Christmas Tree Forest has been owned and operated by the Neufeld family since 1988 continuing a family Christmas Tree business that was started 46 years ago.
The Christmas tree shortage actually starts in the U.S. where they haven’t been growing enough trees over the past 10 years to meet demand.
“Some of the real shortages are for specific species such as noble fir which often come from the States,” said Al Neufeld.
“I do believe some of that shortage is due to the 10-year lag time from the U.S. recession when farmers may not have been planting seedlings in uncertain times. It takes nine to 10 years for a good noble fir. We have grand fir and Douglas fir which are both native B.C. trees and grow well on our property.”
Because of the shortage, sellers in retail outlets have upped the price of trees with some already selling out of the stock they have.
Trees dry out quickly, so it’s best to get them later. For safety, tree owners are advised to water daily and never leave lights on overnight.
Check out tips and best practice at: Fernridge Christmas Tree Forest
BELOW: A recent picture of the Fernridge Christmas Tree Forest (submitted pic)
monique@langleytimes.com
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