Frost puts Christmas tree saplings at risk

People wishing to buy a tree this Christmas need not fear, but growers are worried that Monday’s frost will have damaged some saplings nonetheless.

The Christmas Tree Council of Nova Scotia is expecting a 10 to 15 per cent loss from the frost, but growers in Pictou County have not reported any tree damage at time of writing on Wednesday afternoon.

“Frost damage tends to show up a day later in trees,” said Angus Bonnyman, executive director for the council. “I don’t expect there to be much of an impact on retail or consumers in the province.”

Frost is one of several weather-related hazards that can affect both trees and crops. Strong winds, drought and severe weather can also cause damage.

Bad weather aside, Nova Scotia produces about 1.1 million Christmas trees per year, many of which are exported.

Provincial growers including those in Pictou County have more than 15,000 acres in production.

Bonnyman said it takes about eight to 10 years to grow a tree.

The industry is also introducing seedlings with naturally occurring improved genetics through the work of the SMART Christmas Tree Research Centre.

This includes better needle retention and frost resistance.

SMART Tree seedlings are expected to be available for planting in spring 2020, and are being commercialized by the SMART Christmas Tree Research Cooperative Ltd, in partnership with Phytocultures Ltd and Scott and Stewart Forestry.

“There’s always going to be a tree for folks in Nova Scotia,” he said.

However, other local crops in Pictou County remain at risk from frost damage.

Over at MacLean’s Strawberries, part-owner Don MacLean fretted that frost could ruin half a strawberry crop if left unchecked.

While his farmland did see heavy ice, they ran an irrigation system through the night, using water to keep the plants’ temperatures above freezing.

However, the water system broke down for half an hour on Monday night, potentially exposing the strawberries to frost.

“I’m optimistic things are all right but I honestly don’t know. It’s one of those things you don’t want to go back and look at,” said MacLean.

Unusually cold weather this month also reduces pollination of crops and leaves some strawberries deformed.

At the Friesen Fresh Farm Market, staff and owners have not yet fully checked their crops, but the frost had already claimed one casualty.

“Our mulberry tree near the house turned black,” said Minna Friesen, whose husband manages most of the business.