Small-Plot Christmas Tree Grower

Local households, neighbours and small businesses such as shops, restaurants and community groups looking for a real tree.

Price per tree, usually set by height and species, sold in a short season from late November to mid December. Income starts only when the first trees reach saleable size, so it comes in a few busy weeks each year.

• Patience for a long growing cycle
• Basic outdoor and machinery work
• Friendly customer service in peak season

• Trees often take many years to reach saleable size, so plan for little or no income at first
• Check zoning, farm property tax classification and any home-based business rules with your municipality
• Check provincial and federal rules on plant pests and moving nursery stock
• Commercial general liability insurance if customers visit your land
• Drought, deer damage, pests and winter losses can wipe out seedlings

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on the land you already have, how many seedlings you plant and what equipment you need. Check your own figures before you start.

Trees often take many years to reach saleable size, so plan for little or no income at first. Once trees are ready, monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $500 to $2,500, depending on how many you sell.

Check zoning, farm property tax classification and any home-based business rules with your municipality. Also check provincial and federal rules on plant pests and moving nursery stock, and get commercial general liability insurance if customers visit your land.