‘It’s a lifestyle’: Tree farm south of Edmonton up for sale

One of Alberta's only "you cut" Christmas tree farms is up for sale. CTV News Edmonton's Miriam Valdes-Carletti has the story.

The owners of a tree farm in Falun, about an hour south of Edmonton, are looking to pass on the torch to someone who is passionate about agriculture and the holidays.

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Fir Ever Green Tree Farm, which has been operated by Judy and Peter Kappeler for 16 years, is up for sale.

“Ideally it would be a family and they can carry on with the Christmas trees and landscaping,” Judy told CTV News Edmonton in an interview on Wednesday.

“It’s a lifestyle to live on a tree farm like this. First of all, you have a full quarter of land around yourself,” added Peter. “It’s beautiful and the new owner should be willing to love nature.”

Peter says years of tree farm ownership have taught him to work with nature, not against it. From preparing fields for spring planting, managing pests, and shearing and harvesting crops, the year is full of manual outdoor labour.

Which is what has Peter – like most agriculture producers eventually – thinking about retirement.

“In the summertime, when my body feels good, I’m not quite ready for sale yet,” the 62-year-old, originally from Switzerland, said.

“I would love to do another 10, 15 years at least but I think I have to listen to my body. I had a hip replaced last winter (and have) a back surgery planned for this upcoming winter.”

The couple is proud to have run the business, learned so much about growing evergreens in the Prairies, and retaining a loyal customer base.

“Christmas is kind of like the dessert at the end of the year. People like coming for a Christmas tree. They’re happy to be here and it’s a fun time of year,” Judy said.

An expert says despite the popularity of artificial holiday trees, which have only improved in quality and selection in recent years, the appeal U-pick opportunities like Fir Ever Green Tree Farm is the family experience.

“We can see that consumers are looking for repeat traditions,” said Heather Thomson, vice-president of economy and engagement at Edmonton Chamber of Commerce.

“People do want to spend money on those experiences, especially during the holidays.”

The farm is listed for $3.85 million.

With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Miriam Valdes-Carletti

A previous version of this story said the Fir Ever Green Tree Farm was in Leduc, Alta. It is actually in Falun, Alta., about an hour out of Edmonton.