Christmas tree sales look promising for N.B. growers

New Brunswick Christmas tree growers say this is a make-or-break weekend in their season, just two weeks before the big day.

They're counting on lots of sales both at home, and across the border.

So far though, all signs have been good, and getting better.

"I just hope I can keep up with demand," laughed Chuck Secord. "It's a good problem to have."

Secord owns Yuletide Christmas Tree Farm in Upper Coverdale, and has been growing balsam fir trees for 20 years.

He has seen sales slipping over a long period, but a new trend has been developing.

He said young families are driving a renewed interest in real Christmas trees.

"At least 75 per cent of my customers are families," said Secord. "More so than ever before. I said last year was a lot, this year was even more."

Some growers have taken a beating in recent years in the U.S. market.

"Maine can grow balsam fir so they've stepped up and have more growers there," explained Harold Matthews, a 43-year veteran in the industry. "If they have their own they don't need Canadian growers."

Matthews, who doesn't export to the U.S., said it's been bad for him for a long time too, but getting better.

"Local growers are doing quite well this year, all due to the Canadian dollar taking quite a kicking, but that helps export product to the U.S.," said Matthews.

Matthews said it's too early to call the season a hit, because this weekend is the real test. He hopes for strong sales at his stand near the Canadian Tire in Moncton.

"The guys are getting ready for Saturday and Sunday which is really showtime, it's going to be biggest weekend of the year," Matthews remarked.

"If we don't get the sales we're looking for then yeah, we're going to feel it but I think this is going to be a bang-up weekend and we're all going to have some fun, including my customers."

And a merry Christmas too.