The Future of Christmas Trees And Global Warming
The Christmas tree is a beloved holiday tradition for millions of families around the world. And while people may not have noticed any difference in the availability of Christmas trees this year, growers and breeders have long been preparing for a future of hotter weather that will inevitably change soil conditions. With global warming impacting the world in new ways, the future of the Christmas tree may be dependent on the ability of growers to adapt.
The average Christmas tree takes 8-10 years to reach marketable size, which means that the trees being grown right now will be the beloved holiday traditions of tomorrow. However, with soil temperatures and moisture levels changing, there is growing concern that certain diseases may affect Christmas tree farms. In the past two years, evergreens in Washington and Oregon have died in unexpectedly high numbers due to fungal disease outbreaks. Experts believe that this could be attributed to soil conditions that are changing due to climate change.
Although Christmas tree growers are taking action to protect their crops, there is still a lack of research when it comes to warming soil temperatures that could affect not only Christmas trees, but many other crops as well. A European study in the journal Nature Climate Change found that soil heat extremes are increasing faster than air heat extremes, which can affect the health of grasslands, forests, and some agricultural areas. This means that the same weather conditions that put trees under stress also favor pests and diseases that can attack them.
The changes to forests and farm fields due to climate change might not happen overnight, but they will happen. Bert Cregg, a professor of horticulture at Michigan State University, believes that Christmas tree growers need to start looking at how they can adapt their crops and practices in the long term. For example, they may need to start exploring new species of trees that will thrive in new soil conditions.
While Christmas tree growers are already taking steps to protect their crops, much more research needs to be done to understand the effects of climate change on these beloved holiday traditions. Given that the average Christmas tree takes almost a decade to grow, it’s clear that the time to act is now.
In conclusion, the future of the Christmas tree is at risk due to the effects of climate change. With soil temperatures and moisture levels changing, there is a growing concern that certain diseases may affect Christmas tree farms. Although Christmas tree growers are taking action to protect their crops, there is still a lack of research into the long-term effects of warming soil temperatures. If growers want to continue to produce healthy, marketable trees, they will need to start looking at how they can adapt their crops and practices in the long term. We must take action now to ensure that future generations can enjoy this beloved holiday tradition.
