Quebec Christmas tree growers predict record sales year

With many Quebecers cooped up at home, some are channeling their energy by getting intothe festive spirit a little early.

Interest in natural Christmas trees has been rising steadily in the last few years andthe Quebec Association of Christmas Tree Producers is predicting a record season.

"People are ready to buy local, support their neighbours and buy green," saidCharles Vaillancourt, president of the association.

Last weekend, dozens of families showed up atSapinire Saint-Jean for the first day of the U-pick season.

"The big advantage of U-pick is freshness as well as choice,"said co-owner Michel Gravel.

Like the boom for Quebec apple producers in the fall, some Christmas tree producers are expecting an influx of peoplelooking for a festive outdoor activity.

While some farms are offering U-pick services, others are adapting to try and serve shoppers from afar.

Les Sapins de Clericyin Rouyn-Norandais offering to deliver farm fresh Christmas tree to local clients who order online or by phone.

Co-ownerMary-Lou de Denussaid that they cancelled their U-pick season because it's impossible to maintain distancing between clients.

She said that normally the farm welcomes visitors not just to buy but to gather, have a snack or a drink, and chat. This year, that tradition can't happen, so the farm is closed to the public.

"Of course, we are going to reduce our servicea little bit because it'smore complex to deliver. But we will try to respect as much as possible thecustomers' choice ofheight and width," she said.

When it comes to artificial trees and other holiday decorations, some stores reported crowds of shoppers buying up their stock earlier than normal.

"People are buying Christmas decorations at a never-before-seen rate," saidFranois Gendron, manager at a Canachardware store in Quebec City.

Gendron said he'snever seen such a craze for Christmas decorations at the beginning of November.

"We have a lot of inventory, but it is starting to decrease," he said. "So, eventually we will run out of stock."

He suggested that one reason for the increased demand is that everyone is stuck at home this year,including snowbirds and others who travel around the holidays.

"They have to equip themselves from A to Z because they have no treeand no decorations," he said.