More Albertans Motivated to Cut Their Own Fresh Christmas Tree Due to Local Shortage | The Canadian News

Some Albertans are taking the shortage of fresh Christmas trees into their own hands and cutting their own.

Edmontonian Paul Manning-Hunter and his father went looking for the real, perfect Christmas tree Tuesday near Lobstick, Alta., After obtaining a permit.

“I’m kind of a traditionalist when it comes to Christmas, I like the smell and I like having a real tree,” Manning-Hunter said.

“I didn’t bother taking the trip (before) as they were so cheap, but now you can’t find them so I thought it was a fun way to spend the day.”

Albertans can earn a government permission for use in a designated forest in crown lands.

It entitles you to three trees, 8 feet and less in height.

Manning-Hunter’s two neighbors are staying with the other two.

“I want it to be nice and a little thick and full, but right now it’s a slim find, but we’re here for the adventure,” Manning-Hunter said.

The number of Albertans chopping down their own tree for the holidays has more than doubled in recent years.

In 2018, more than 8,100 obtained a permit for personal use, in 2019 – 8,353 and in 2020, it rose to 18,000.

“Last year we saw a massive increase in the number of people who obtained permits to use them for personal logging. we’re not sure if it’s a COVID-19 related jump, ”said Wendy Machan of Alberta Forestry and Rural Economic Development.

The supply is closely monitored by the government and it is illegal to cut without a permit and to sell what is cut.

Manning-Hunter proudly brought home a tree that he chose and picked himself to continue the family tradition.

“It just feels like Christmas,” Hunter-Manning said.

To obtain a personal timber permit, you must be “at least 18 years old, a resident of Alberta, and in good standing with the Crown regarding timber, grazing and land use.”

Tree lot shortage due to dry summer and flooding in BC

Tree lots, like the location at Ellerslie Gift and Garden, have hundreds of trees, but it’s a lot fewer than it usually is.

You can expect to pay more for a real tree in some Alberta locations compared to cheaper popular options, like IKEA, which doesn’t sell real Christmas trees in Canada this year due to supply chain issues.