Lakeshore Tree Farms is a family business with roots stretching back to 1936, when it was founded by our grandfather, J.M. Dyck, and our father, George Krahn. The business began at Wilson Lake, just west of Struan, Saskatchewan, during the Great Depression. J.M. Dyck planted fruit trees on the prairie, and as word of his orchard spread, he was persuaded to propagate and sell his varieties. By 1937, he had budded 1,000 trees and began selling them across Canada.

In its early years, Lakeshore operated as a mail-order business. The first price list—a four-page pamphlet—featured prairie-hardy fruit trees such as Heyers #12 apple, Dolgo crabapple, Dandy and Pembina plums, and Opata cherryplum, many of which remain popular today. Back then, one-year-old trees sold for just $0.25! Business boomed, and within five years, Lakeshore was shipping trees nationwide.

In those days, maintaining the nursery relied on simple tools: a horse-drawn cultivator and push-hoes for hand-weeding. By 1941, growth allowed for the purchase of modern equipment, including a half-ton truck and walking tractor.
After J.M. Dyck’s passing in 1953, George Krahn and his wife Antonia (Tony) relocated the business to Saskatoon, purchasing Weaver’s Nursery, the oldest nursery site in Saskatchewan. Despite challenges with the sandy soil and dry prairie years, George expanded Lakeshore’s reach, forged strong connections within the horticultural community, and introduced many new plant varieties, such as the Thunderchild Flowering Crab and Honeywood Saskatoon. He also served as the first president of the Saskatchewan Nurserymen’s Association and the Prairie Association of Nurserymen.

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Association and the Prairie Association of Nurserymen.
In 1974, the Krahn brothers purchased the business from George, marking the start of a new chapter. At that time, Lakeshore had 80 acres of trees and shrubs and a retail outlet offering bare root plants. The 1980 purchase of 160 acres near Moon Lake allowed for further expansion, including flood irrigation for caliper tree and seedling production. An additional 90 acres was acquired in 2005 to support continued growth.
Today, Lakeshore Tree Farms spans over 250 acres of field-grown trees and shrubs, along with several acres of containerized stock. While our retail roots remain part of our history, we now focus on wholesale supply, serving the Green Industry across Canada, the U.S., and beyond. Under the leadership of Victor Krahn, Lee Krahn, and Aaron Krahn, Lakeshore continues to thrive as a family business. Our offerings include zone 2–3 hardy trees, shrubs, and custom-grown stock for naturalization projects.

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For over 85 years, Lakeshore Tree Farms has been dedicated to providing prairie-hardy, high-quality plants, reliable service, and expert knowledge. Whether you’re planning a large-scale project or looking for trusted advice, we’re here to help. Visit us today and experience why we’re Saskatchewan’s #1 supplier for landscape professionals!

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