The final numbers are in for the MD of Bonnyville’s Shelterbelt Program this year, and it sold out quickly with 7,750 trees in 24 different species ordered.
The increase in demand is likely due to nurseries expanding their selections, with fruit trees drawing the interest of residents. One hundred and fifty farms and acreage owners placed an order this year.
“We have placed a few different orders, and every time we increase the orders they’ve been selling out quickly,” Ag and Waste Services Director Matt Janz told MD Council on Wednesday. “We’re having a little harder time to get any more trees in so I think we’re going to call it a year for ordering trees in.”
Janz said this is likely the largest volume of trees the MD has distributed since the federal PRFA program was brought to an end in 2013.
Those who made an order should expect their seedlings to arrive in May.