Government Supports Tree Industry, Charities

The government is promoting Nova Scotia Christmas trees while making the holiday greener and brighter for charities.

The Lunenburg County Christmas Tree Producers' Association presented trees to Lt.-Gov. J.J. Grant, Premier Stephen McNeil, Natural Resources Minister Zach Churchill and Agriculture Minister Keith Colwell today, Dec. 2.

At an annual ceremony outside Province House, Lt.-Gov. Grant donated his tree to Camp Hill Veterans' Hospital. Premier McNeil donated his tree to the Home of the Guardian Angel–Chebucto Family Centre. Mr. Churchill donated his tree to Bryony House, a shelter for abused women. All are in Halifax. Mr. Colwell donated his tree to Margaret's House, Dartmouth, which provides meals to under-privileged adults.

"The Christmas tree industry generates about $52 million a year for our economy so we are happy to support local charities while celebrating these homegrown businesses," said Mr. Churchill.

More than 1,100 families depend on the Christmas tree industry for all or part of their income. Nova Scotia exports about 1.3 million trees every year.

Christmas tree growers Lloyd Joudrey, Anzil Blackadar, Jeff Reeves and Murray Crouse donated the trees this year.

"Our families look forward to decorating the tree each year," said Tammy Turple, executive director, Home of the Guardian Angel-Chebucto Family Centre. "It's always a lovely addition to our centre that brings a festive mood to our community."

Unlike artificial trees, real trees do not take up space in landfills or contribute to pollution through manufacturing. They are biodegradable, nearly carbon neutral and, after the holidays, can be composted or used as bird feeders, potpourri ingredients, or as winter garden cover.

Tips about real tree selection and care, and where to buy a Nova Scotia Christmas tree are at http://novascotia.ca/natr/christmastrees/ .

The balsam fir is the most popular Christmas tree, at 98 per cent of the provincial harvest. White pine, Scots pine, red pine, Fraser fir, Korean fir, and spruces are also harvested.