Christmas tree farmers across the country are experiencing the effects of this drought-filled year. In the United States, according to the National Christmas Tree Association, there are nearly 15,000 Christmas tree farms employing a total of over 100,000 people with combined sales reported at more than $1.3 billion in 2015. [2][3] However, the future of this billion-dollar industry may be at stake. According to an article written by Dominique Mosbergen of the Huffington Post, some Christmas tree farms were forced to open later this season or even close down for the year due to the prolonged drought leaving trees dehydrated and lifeless. [1]
While many continued business-as-usual this year, the Huffington Post article warns that next year these farms may not be as fortunate. 2017 Christmas trees are dependent on young seedlings that are vulnerable to dry conditions. Many of the seedlings this year were wiped out by the drought in some regions. Farmers throughout Alabama, New York, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, North Carolina and more reported limited crop growth, seedling death and/or declined sales. One farm in Massachusetts even closed for the year – only the second time in over 20 years. [1]
We’ll have to wait to see if 2016 sales declined, but the real concern is for next year’s Christmas tree supply and sales. The Huffington Post stated 100% of Christmas seedlings at a farm in Massachusetts were destroyed and similar situations have been reported in states across the country. Because the tree roots do not extend deeper into the soil, seedlings are more susceptible to the dry conditions. [1]
If the drought continues, future seedlings may be victimized, leaving farmers with drastically declined Christmas tree sales. “This year’s drought will have a long-lasting effect,” said Roger Schwerman, one of many farmers interviewed by the Huffington Post. “It might drive many farms out of the tree business.” [1]
Published December 29, 2016
[1] Mosbergen, Dominque. Christmas Trees Are Dying From Drought. The Huffington Post, December 4, 2016. Web. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/christmas-trees-drought_us_583e8c80e4b0c33c8e130d1f [2] The National Christmas Tree Association. Quick Tree Facts. The National Christmas Tree Association, 2016. Web. http://www.realchristmastrees.org/Education/Quick-Tree-Facts [3]The National Christmas Tree Association. Consumer Survey Results. The National Christmas Tree Association, 2016. Web. http://www.realchristmastrees.org/dnn/News-Media/Industry-Statistics/Consumer-Survey