N.B. Christmas tree farmers say it's 'impossible' to find workers

Some New Brunswick Christmas tree farmers say they're struggling with the same issue as their counterparts in the produce industry: finding enough workers to help run their operations.

"It is impossible, impossible," said Scotty Bell, who has been farming trees since 1986.

"If you're lucky enough to get somebody you got to pay him well and look after him good."  

Bell, who owns and maintains more than 20,000 trees in Florenceville-Bristol, admits that outdoor work, sometimes under a hot sun, isn't for everyone.

But with the province constantly starved for jobs, he thought hiring wouldn't be so hard, he said. 

"So we have to try and get the same guys back every year," said Bell.

"And we pay them good and do a good job." 

Tree trimming, fertilizing and mowing high-growing grasses are all part of the job, according to Bell, who says the summer months are critical to growing lush, beautiful trees. 

"Someone will come out and see these and say they are just trees, it looks easy," he said.

"But grow some trees yourself. It's not easy." 

From planting to harvest, the trees take from eight to 10 years to mature, a product that requires a great deal of work and investment before generating any profit.

But Bell and his wife said finding labour has been the greatest difficulty they've encountered since day one.

"The biggest struggle is labour," said Martha Bell, who started in the business by making wreaths, mostly as a hobby before it turned into a business.

"I just assumed people would enjoy making wreaths and shearing trees and fertilizing. It's very hands on. But we've found this very difficult." 

The Bells offer workers the ability to choose their own hours, with most choosing to come in early and leave at midday to avoid the heat.

As harvest season approaches, they offer even more incentives, they said, but it's always remained a struggle. 

"But we love it," said Martha Bell.

"You're outside, fresh air, and you're working with nature." 

The vast majority of the trees grown on the multiple lots owned by the couple will go to the United States before the Christmas deadline in 150 days.