For centuries, Christmas trees and the use of evergreen branches have been integral to holiday celebrations. Ancient cultures, including the Egyptians, Chinese, and Hebrews, employed evergreen boughs and wreaths in their rituals to symbolize eternal life. This tradition evolved into the modern Christmas tree, which traces its origins back to the Renaissance in Europe. Throughout history, evergreens have been cherished for their abilities to ward off evil spirits or celebrate Saturn, the god of agriculture.

In Quebec, Christmas tree cultivation has blossomed into a thriving industry. The Association des producteurs d’arbres de Noël du Québec (APANQ), established in 1969, recognizes the province as Canada’s leading producer. Collectively, Quebec growers manage 8,538 hectares, with over half of that land located in the Eastern Townships. In 2020, Quebec exported 1,771,944 trees, generating a remarkable total value of $56.2 million—accounting for 71% of all Canadian Christmas tree exports, despite a 14% decline from 2019 when 2,053,111 trees were shipped. This booming sector yielded approximately $16 million in profit that year.

Amidst this commercial success, our story highlights a local grower in the Massawippi watershed—Daniel Laflèche. Twelve years ago, Daniel moved from Hudson and purchased property in Stanstead East from a retiring producer. Eager to learn the trade, he completed a year-long internship under the previous owner. However, the following year, as the sole proprietor, he faced a challenge he hadn’t anticipated: spraying his trees with pesticides. Clad in a hazmat suit, mask, and goggles, he quickly realized that this was not the path he wanted to pursue. There had to be a better, healthier way to cultivate Christmas trees, for his own health, his neighbors and the environment.

To his astonishment, he discovered that no one else in Quebec was considering organic methods. While some sought ‘natural’ trees, they often ventured into the woods to cut down a scraggly “Charlie Brown” tree. Determined to find a solution, Daniel reached out to Mapaq (Ministère de l’Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l’Alimentation du Québec) and ECOCERT, both of which provide invaluable resources and support to farmers. Ecocert being one of the organizations recognized for certifying organic food producers.

Embracing the challenge, Daniel partnered with these organizations to transform his operation into an eco-certified producer of organic Christmas trees. 

Since Christmas trees are not an edible product, Ecocert had to establish a specific category for them. This allowed them to assist Daniel in converting his farming practices to align with organic methods, including regenerative land management techniques. MALPAC inspectors monitored the process, measuring soil quality before and after, and tracking Daniel’s progress in managing insects and fertilization. Together, they explored effective strategies and identified areas that required further research.

Les Sapins de l’Estrie  Organic Practices	Commercial Tree Producers  Non-Organic Practices
No Pesticides: Natural predators, such as ladybugs, are encouraged to control invasive species like aphids, commonly found on Christmas trees.  Fostering a balanced ecosystem that allows birds and other wildlife to thrive.	Pesticide Use: Pesticides are routinely applied, either automatically or as needed, eliminating beneficial insects and reducing food sources for birds and other wildlife.
Cover Crops: Planting clover and indigenous plants between tree rows serves as natural fertilizers and ground cover, helping trees retain moisture and develop robust root systems.	Absence of cover crops and exposed Soil: The absence of cover crops leads to bare soil and roots, increasing the risk of tree mortality during dry spells. Herbicides like Roundup kill all vegetation, disrupting the ecosystem.
Attracting Pollinators: Cover crops like clover and goldenrod draw in bees and other pollinators, promoting a healthy ecosystem.	Pollinator Decline: Pesticides decimate insect populations, including essential pollinators, creating ecological imbalances.
Sustainable Mowing: A flail mower trims paths between tree rows, creating green mulch that enriches the soil.	Destructive Mowing: Rotary mowers or brush hogs clear paths, discarding cuttings in piles rather than enriching the soil.
Natural Fertilizers: Chicken manure is applied directly to individual trees, enhancing their growth without chemicals.	Chemical Fertilizers: are broadly sprayed over fields, rather than applied directly to individual trees.
Soil Preservation: New trees are planted among decaying stumps, allowing the soil’s micro-organisms to thrive without disturbance.	Soil Disturbance: Removing stumps and tilling the soil disrupts micro-organisms, necessitating increased fertilizer use.

 

Daniel gives his trees a rough trim annually to maintain their full shape. He anticipates a shift in demand toward smaller trees, which are lighter and easier to transport. He exports his trees and sells them locally, including at Avril stores. The best part for locals? They can visit his farm on weekends, from 9 to 4 p.m., to cut their own tree. Just bring a saw, and don’t forget to stop by his workshop for a sweet treat for the kids!

Currently, the Sapins de l’Estrie farm nurtures about 25,000 trees. Some of the original trees planted by the previous owner have been left to grow into a forest . Daniel regularly spots wildlife, including deer, bears, and various birds, reinforcing his commitment to biodiversity. He acknowledges that while Christmas trees are a non-essential product, his efforts to create a biodiverse habitat and improve soil quality, help capture carbon and contribute positively to the community.

Les Sapins de l’Estrie, 945 chemin Lettre, Stanstead East, Qc [email protected]