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Real Trees, Real Talk - Why Nova Scotia Loves Real Christmas Trees

Real Trees, Real Talk - Why Nova Scotia Loves Real Christmas Trees

By Christmas Tree Council of Nova Scotia

Do you love real trees? We sure do! Whether you’re looking for information on the benefits of real trees, tips on choosing a tree, where to find your real tree or advice on caring for your selected tree, you’re in the right place!

Real trees provide not only beauty and fragrance for your home, but habitat for wildlife, environmental benefits and thousands of jobs for rural Nova Scotians. Be a part of the tradition – choose a real tree!

In this podcast, we'll dive into the industry and talk to the producers who have experienced it all, ship worldwide, and always keep it real!
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Real Trees, Real Talk - Why Nova Scotia Loves Real Christmas Trees - Local Balsam Fir Products - Saltbox Brewing Company

Real Trees, Real Talk - Why Nova Scotia Loves Real Christmas TreesNov 09, 2021

00:00
16:54
Christmas Tree Cost of Production/Profit Calculator

Christmas Tree Cost of Production/Profit Calculator

Created and provided by Barrington Consulting Group the Cost of Production/Profit Calculator is used to support the Cost of Production Report which can be found here. 

Jun 15, 202203:57
How To Graft on Balsam Fir Root Stock

How To Graft on Balsam Fir Root Stock

Let the CTCNS Research Team take you through the Grafting process with Balsam Fir root stock, in-greenhouse and in-field, while using Nova Scotian owned Exotic scions collected from an orchard February 2022.

May 17, 202210:48
Phosphorus Dip Trial & Spongy Moth Monitoring Program Research Results - w/ Lienna Hoeg, ACTS

Phosphorus Dip Trial & Spongy Moth Monitoring Program Research Results - w/ Lienna Hoeg, ACTS

Thank you CTCNS' Acting Christmas Tree Specialist, Lienna Hoeg, for reviewing the 2021 research projects on the Phosphorus Dip Trials and Spongy Moth Monitoring Program.

Apr 13, 202225:32
Lunchbreak Series with Perennia Christmas Tree Specialist Jay Woodworth - Small Scale Nursery: Collection and Starting Seedlings with Shaun Scott and Jackie MacDonald

Lunchbreak Series with Perennia Christmas Tree Specialist Jay Woodworth - Small Scale Nursery: Collection and Starting Seedlings with Shaun Scott and Jackie MacDonald

In the October Lunchbreak Session, Shaun Scott and Jackie MacDonald, from Scott & Stewart Forestry,  help us learn about starting fir seedlings on a small scale. With the demand for fir seedlings high and raising, this session will help new and experienced growers with the short supply and development within their business.

Apr 12, 202247:44
Business Planning - Alana Hirtle, CBDC NOBL - Lunchbreak Series

Business Planning - Alana Hirtle, CBDC NOBL - Lunchbreak Series

Let Alana Hirtle teach you about the importance of creating a business plan, the fundamentals within a plan, and share some resources to help you write one for your Christmas tree farm!

Apr 06, 202249:44
Agri-Tourism Opportunities - Tourism Nova Scotia - Lunchbreak Series

Agri-Tourism Opportunities - Tourism Nova Scotia - Lunchbreak Series

Tourism Nova Scotia, Tourism Development Advisors, Melanie Lowe, and Erin Hume share their expertise with the Christmas tree producers of Nova Scotia on how they can be more involved in Agri-tourism! Listen in on some stats about what tourists in Nova Scotia are attracted to, how producers can elevate their current operations, and all of the resources and opportunities there are available for growing visitors and sales to your business all year round!

Feb 23, 202258:46
15 Financial Management Tips to Increase Productivity, Build Wealth & Prepare Your Business for Sale.
Jan 26, 202254:41
Real Trees, Real Talk - Why Nova Scotia Loves Real Christmas Trees - Creating the Blue Button Campaign

Real Trees, Real Talk - Why Nova Scotia Loves Real Christmas Trees - Creating the Blue Button Campaign

In this episode, we discuss with m5 Marketing Communications and Brittany Frenette, Outreach Manager from CTCNS, how the Blue Button Campaign was created and the importance of the Campaign being entirely made in Nova Scotia!

Dec 22, 202126:51
New Entrant Seminar - Lunchbreak Series with Christmas Tree Specialist Jay Woodworth

New Entrant Seminar - Lunchbreak Series with Christmas Tree Specialist Jay Woodworth

Are you a New Entrant to the Christmas tree industry? Check out this Lunchbreak session to learn about the basics of Christmas trees and how CTCNS can help you start your business!

Nov 24, 202133:55
Real Trees, Real Talk - Why Nova Scotia Loves Real Christmas Trees - Local Balsam Fir Products - Saltbox Brewing Company

Real Trees, Real Talk - Why Nova Scotia Loves Real Christmas Trees - Local Balsam Fir Products - Saltbox Brewing Company

We're taking a divide into one of Nova Scotia Local breweries, Saltbox Brewing Company, and connecting their Balsam Blue beer and the Christmas Tree Industry. This interview with Andrew Tanner teaches us about Saltbox, how the beer is made, and the connection of local products to the industry!

Nov 09, 202116:54
Lunchbreak Series with Perennia Christmas Tree Specialist Jay Woodworth - Safe Loading Practices w/ Lienna Hoeg

Lunchbreak Series with Perennia Christmas Tree Specialist Jay Woodworth - Safe Loading Practices w/ Lienna Hoeg

Lienna Hoeg, Research Technician, teaches us some simple steps to ensure safety with loading Christmas Trees in the busiest of seasons!

Sep 28, 202106:59
Lunchbreak Series with Perennia Christmas Tree Specialist Jay Woodworth - Marketing w/ Gillian Blackburn

Lunchbreak Series with Perennia Christmas Tree Specialist Jay Woodworth - Marketing w/ Gillian Blackburn

Learning about Marketing!

Sep 01, 202136:46
Real Trees, Real Talk - Why Nova Scotia Loves Real Christmas Trees - Local History - Interview with John & Jeanette Reeves and Marty Murphy

Real Trees, Real Talk - Why Nova Scotia Loves Real Christmas Trees - Local History - Interview with John & Jeanette Reeves and Marty Murphy

In this episode, John & Jeanette Reeves and Marty Murphy discuss the local history of the Christmas tree industry in Nova Scotia! 

Jul 23, 202146:34
Lunchbreak Series w/ Perennia Christmas Tree Specialist Jay Woodworth - Herbicide Recommendations & Pesticide Guide Updates w/ Lienna Hoeg

Lunchbreak Series w/ Perennia Christmas Tree Specialist Jay Woodworth - Herbicide Recommendations & Pesticide Guide Updates w/ Lienna Hoeg

In this Lunchbreak, Jay Woodworth and Lienna Hoeg present Herbicide Recommendation and the updated Pesticide Guide. 

Jul 08, 202140:15
Real Trees, Real Talk - Why Nova Scotia Loves Real Christmas Trees - History of the Christmas Tree

Real Trees, Real Talk - Why Nova Scotia Loves Real Christmas Trees - History of the Christmas Tree

Marty Murphy from New Ross, NS, takes us through where the tradition of the Christmas tree started, the industry history, and when our tricks-of-the-trade came into play! Check out the next episode of Real Trees, Real Talk where we explore Nova Scotian Christmas tree history as well!

Jun 22, 202120:17
Real Trees, Real Talk - Why Nova Scotia Loves Real Christmas Trees - Women in Agriculture

Real Trees, Real Talk - Why Nova Scotia Loves Real Christmas Trees - Women in Agriculture

In this episode, we talk to Lienna Hoeg, the Research Technician with CTCNS, Jackie MacDonald, the Nursery Manager with Scott & Stewart Forestry Consultants Ltd., and Jeanette Reeves with J&M Reeves Christmas Greens Ltd. about their experiences in agriculture! 

Jun 04, 202132:37
Lunchbreak Series with Perennia Christmas Tree Specialist Jay Woodworth - Soil Fertility Goals

Lunchbreak Series with Perennia Christmas Tree Specialist Jay Woodworth - Soil Fertility Goals

In this session, Jay runs over the Soil Fertility results and gives an outline of recommendations for soil health in Nova Scotia!

May 27, 202146:59
Real Trees, Real Talk - Why Nova Scotia Loves Real Christmas Trees - Interview with Jackie MacDonald and Shaun Scott

Real Trees, Real Talk - Why Nova Scotia Loves Real Christmas Trees - Interview with Jackie MacDonald and Shaun Scott

On this episode of Real Trees, Real Talk, we interview Jackie MacDonald and Shaun Scott, from Scott & Stewart Forestry Consultants Ltd. They tell us what they do at Scott & Stewart, the process of raising balsam fir trees, and the planting process! Check it out to see where you can start your Christmas tree lot!

May 14, 202129:49
Lunchbreak Series with Perennia Christmas Tree Specialist Jay Woodworth - Weed Identification w/Lienna Hoeg

Lunchbreak Series with Perennia Christmas Tree Specialist Jay Woodworth - Weed Identification w/Lienna Hoeg

In this episode, Lienna Hoeg speaks about weed identification, controls, and solutions to mitigate in your Christmas Tree lots!

May 04, 202128:47
Real Trees, Real Talk - Why Nova Scotia Loves Real Christmas Trees - Interview with Marty Murphy & Gordon Tate

Real Trees, Real Talk - Why Nova Scotia Loves Real Christmas Trees - Interview with Marty Murphy & Gordon Tate

Starting the 2021 podcast season with an inspiring story, we interviewed Marty Murphy, who created Ruby's Trail and Travelling Rock with his wife, Wanda, in New Ross, Nova Scotia. We also interview Gordon Tate, the Active Living Coordinator for the Municipality of Chester, on how other Christmas Tree Producers and lot owners can become part of these types of projects. Check it out to hear Marty's poem, song, and amazing story!

Apr 29, 202144:32
Lunchbreak Series with Perennia Christmas Tree Specialist Jay Woodworth - Mental Health w/ Jill Chappell

Lunchbreak Series with Perennia Christmas Tree Specialist Jay Woodworth - Mental Health w/ Jill Chappell

In this episode, Jill Chappell speaks about Mental Health in the workplace, in agriculture, and in the Christmas Tree Industry! 

Apr 06, 202139:53
Lunchbreak Series with Perennia Christmas Tree Specialist Jay Woodworth - Christmas Tree Grading

Lunchbreak Series with Perennia Christmas Tree Specialist Jay Woodworth - Christmas Tree Grading

Jay Woodworth speaks about how to grade Christmas trees within Nova Scotia and discusses why its important with growers attending! This podcast is better listened to on YouTube as there is lots of reference to a slideshow. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H8Uupj-yXRA&t=1s 

Mar 01, 202134:27
Lunchbreak Series with Perennia Christmas Tree Specialist Jay Woodworth - New Entrant Kit

Lunchbreak Series with Perennia Christmas Tree Specialist Jay Woodworth - New Entrant Kit

The Lunchbreak series takes place on the last Tuesday of every month through the Zoom platform. To be put on the email list for the Lunchbreak sessions, please contact Brittany at outreach@ctcns.com.

Our host is Jay Woodworth, the Perennia Christmas Tree Specialist, who covers a different topic every month request by or holds an interest to the producers! This month it is the New Entrant Kit!

You can find the Lunchbreak Series for 2020 and soon to be 2021 on our Youtube channel named Christmas Tree Council NS. As they are uploaded on Youtube, they will also be available here, on Anchor, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and more podcast platforms.

Jan 09, 202121:35
Lunchbreak Series with Perennia Christmas Tree Specialist Jay Woodworth - Safety Series Part 2 - Mind the Gap

Lunchbreak Series with Perennia Christmas Tree Specialist Jay Woodworth - Safety Series Part 2 - Mind the Gap

The Lunchbreak series takes place on the last Tuesday of every month through the Zoom platform. To be put on the email list for the Lunchbreak sessions, please contact Brittany at outreach@ctcns.com.

Our host is Jay Woodworth, the Perennia Christmas Tree Specialist, who covers a different topic every month request by or holds an interest to the producers! This month it is Safety Series Pt. 2 - Mind the Gap!

You can find the Lunchbreak Series for 2020 and soon to be 2021 on our Youtube channel named Christmas Tree Council NS. As they are uploaded on Youtube, they will also be available here, on Anchor, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and more podcast platforms.

Jan 09, 202128:31
Lunchbreak Series with Perennia Christmas Tree Specialist Jay Woodworth - Safety Series Part 1

Lunchbreak Series with Perennia Christmas Tree Specialist Jay Woodworth - Safety Series Part 1

The Lunchbreak series takes place on the last Tuesday of every month through the Zoom platform. To be put on the email list for the Lunchbreak sessions, please contact Brittany at outreach@ctcns.com.

Our host is Jay Woodworth, the Perennia Christmas Tree Specialist, who covers a different topic every month request by or holds an interest to the producers! This month it is Safety Series Part 1!

You can find the Lunchbreak Series for 2020 and soon to be 2021 on our Youtube channel named Christmas Tree Council NS. As they are uploaded on Youtube, they will also be available here, on Anchor, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and more podcast platforms.

Jan 09, 202101:03:57
Lunchbreak Series with Perennia Christmas Tree Specialist Jay Woodworth - Christmas Tree Genetics

Lunchbreak Series with Perennia Christmas Tree Specialist Jay Woodworth - Christmas Tree Genetics

The Lunchbreak series takes place on the last Tuesday of every month through the Zoom platform. To be put on the email list for the Lunchbreak sessions, please contact Brittany at outreach@ctcns.com.

Our host is Jay Woodworth, the Perennia Christmas Tree Specialist, who covers a different topic every month request by or holds an interest to the producers! This month it is Christmas Tree Genetics!

You can find the Lunchbreak Series for 2020 and soon to be 2021 on our Youtube channel named Christmas Tree Council NS. As they are uploaded on Youtube, they will also be available here, on Anchor, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and more podcast platforms.

Jan 09, 202132:33
Lunchbreak Series with Perennia Christmas Tree Specialist Jay Woodworth - Using the Christmas Tree Pest Management Guide

Lunchbreak Series with Perennia Christmas Tree Specialist Jay Woodworth - Using the Christmas Tree Pest Management Guide

The Lunchbreak series takes place on the last Tuesday of every month through the Zoom platform. To be put on the email list for the Lunchbreak sessions, please contact Brittany at outreach@ctcns.com.

Our host is Jay Woodworth, the Perennia Christmas Tree Specialist, who covers a different topic every month request by or holds an interest to the producers! This month it is Using the Christmas Tree Pest Management Guide!

You can find the Lunchbreak Series for 2020 and soon to be 2021 on our Youtube channel named Christmas Tree Council NS. As they are uploaded on Youtube, they will also be available here, on Anchor, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and more podcast platforms.

Jan 08, 202110:53
Lunchbreak Series with Perennia Christmas Tree Specialist Jay Woodworth - Shearing

Lunchbreak Series with Perennia Christmas Tree Specialist Jay Woodworth - Shearing

The Lunchbreak series takes place on the last Tuesday of every month through the Zoom platform. To be put on the email list for the Lunchbreak sessions, please contact Brittany at outreach@ctcns.com.

Our host is Jay Woodworth, the Perennia Christmas Tree Specialist, who covers a different topic every month request by or holds an interest to the producers! This month it is Shearing!

You can find the Lunchbreak Series for 2020 and soon to be 2021 on our Youtube channel named Christmas Tree Council NS. As they are uploaded on Youtube, they will also be available here, on Anchor, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and more podcast platforms.

Jan 08, 202117:47
Lunchbreak Series with Perennia Christmas Tree Specialist Jay Woodworth - Navigating Provincial Landscape Viewer

Lunchbreak Series with Perennia Christmas Tree Specialist Jay Woodworth - Navigating Provincial Landscape Viewer

The Lunchbreak series takes place on the last Tuesday of every month through the Zoom platform. To be put on the email list for the Lunchbreak sessions, please contact Brittany at outreach@ctcns.com.

Our host is Jay Woodworth, the Perennia Christmas Tree Specialist, who covers a different topic every month request by or holds an interest to the producers! This month it is Navigating Provincial Landscape Viewer!

You can find the Lunchbreak Series for 2020 and soon to be 2021 on our Youtube channel named Christmas Tree Council NS. As they are uploaded on Youtube, they will also be available here, on Anchor, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and more podcast platforms.

Jan 08, 202155:13
Lunchbreak Series with Perennia Christmas Tree Specialist Jay Woodworth - Developing a Lot Scouting Program

Lunchbreak Series with Perennia Christmas Tree Specialist Jay Woodworth - Developing a Lot Scouting Program

The Lunchbreak series takes place on the last Tuesday of every month through the Zoom platform. To be put on the email list for the Lunchbreak sessions, please contact Brittany at outreach@ctcns.com.

Our host is Jay Woodworth, the Perennia Christmas Tree Specialist, who covers a different topic every month request by or holds an interest to the producers! This month it is Developing a Lot Scouting Program!

You can find the Lunchbreak Series for 2020 and soon to be 2021 on our Youtube channel named Christmas Tree Council NS. As they are uploaded on Youtube, they will also be available here, on Anchor, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and more podcast platforms.

Jan 08, 202113:54
Lunchbreak Series with Perennia Christmas Tree Specialist Jay Woodworth - Interpreting Soil Test Results

Lunchbreak Series with Perennia Christmas Tree Specialist Jay Woodworth - Interpreting Soil Test Results

The Lunchbreak series takes place on the last Tuesday of every month through the Zoom platform. To be put on the email list for the Lunchbreak sessions, please contact Brittany at outreach@ctcns.com.

Our host is Jay Woodworth, the Perennia Christmas Tree Specialist, who covers a different topic every month request by or holds an interest to the producers! This month it is Interpreting Soil Test Results!

You can find the Lunchbreak Series for 2020 and soon to be 2021 on our Youtube channel named Christmas Tree Council NS. As they are uploaded on Youtube, they will also be available here, on Anchor, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and more podcast platforms.

Jan 08, 202134:41
Lunchbreak Series with Perennia Christmas Tree Specialist Jay Woodworth - Establishing a Christmas Tree Lot

Lunchbreak Series with Perennia Christmas Tree Specialist Jay Woodworth - Establishing a Christmas Tree Lot


The Lunchbreak series takes place on the last Tuesday of every month through the Zoom platform. To be put on the email list for the Lunchbreak sessions, please contact Brittany at outreach@ctcns.com.

Our host is Jay Woodworth, the Perennia Christmas Tree Specialist, who covers a different topic every month request by or holds an interest to the producers! This month it is Establishing a Christmas Tree Lot!

You can find the Lunchbreak Series for 2020 and soon to be 2021 on our Youtube channel named Christmas Tree Council NS. As they are uploaded on Youtube, they will also be available here, on Anchor, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and more podcast platforms.


Jan 08, 202133:10
Real Trees, Real Talk - Why Nova Scotia Loves Real Christmas Trees - Interview with Richard Levy

Real Trees, Real Talk - Why Nova Scotia Loves Real Christmas Trees - Interview with Richard Levy

In this episode, we interview Richard Levy, the President of the Christmas Tree Council of Nova Scotia! He speaks on his experience in executive positions throughout the industry, shares a bit of history, and his passion for the career. This is the last episode for the 2020 year, so be sure to follow the Christmas Tree Council's social media and website for updates throughout the next year! 

Happy Holidays! 


Dec 14, 202020:45
Real Trees, Real Talk - Why Nova Scotia Loves Real Christmas Trees - Interviews with Anzil Blackadar and Andrew Crouse

Real Trees, Real Talk - Why Nova Scotia Loves Real Christmas Trees - Interviews with Anzil Blackadar and Andrew Crouse

In this episode, we discuss tricks of the tree industry trade, receive some insights on the Christmas Tree Industry, and hear more funny stories from the tree lots! This is the second last episode before the holidays and we are thrilled to share it with Anzil Blackadar and Andrew Crouse! 

Dec 03, 202018:45
Real Trees, Real Talk - Why Nova Scotia Loves Real Christmas Trees - Interviews with Jim Delong and Andrew Crouse

Real Trees, Real Talk - Why Nova Scotia Loves Real Christmas Trees - Interviews with Jim Delong and Andrew Crouse

In this episode, we're discussing the many donated trees within the Province of Nova Scotia! Jim Delong and Andrew Crouse give us lots of insight on their participation and experiences within the industry and their activity and preparation for this busy time of year!

Nov 23, 202018:11
Real Trees, Real Talk - Why Nova Scotia Loves Real Christmas Trees - Interview with Jack Wentzell

Real Trees, Real Talk - Why Nova Scotia Loves Real Christmas Trees - Interview with Jack Wentzell

In the first podcast of our four-episode series, we will be interviewing Jack Wentzell, a Christmas Tree Producer from Lunenburg County. We'll be  learning about what the tree producer's operations are in the run of a year, what the markets for Christmas Trees call for, and hearing some entertaining stories from the industry! 

Nov 06, 202026:17