We see them every holiday — towering green Christmas trees, strapped to the roofs of people’s cars, or being hauled off lots, or standing proudly in someone’s living room, decked out in lights and spreading pine needles everywhere.
But changing climates are putting stress on conifers. That includes Christmas trees: Douglas, Fraser, and Noble firs. These trees are struggling to adapt.
“The slightly warmer temperatures, slightly less rain results in more stress on the trees,” said Justin Whitehill, a professor at North Carolina State. “And because of that … more stress we’re seeing on the trees, we’re also seeing more favorability going to the proliferation of diseases and insects.”
It’s those diseases and insects that could make your Christmas tree dry out or turn brown faster. It could also mean smaller or fewer trees on the Christmas tree lots.
Normally, colder weather kills off those pests and staves off disease.
Whitehill leads the Christmas Tree Genetics Program at North Carolina State, and his lab is focused on producing firs that are more resilient to climate change. Through his genetic research, he hopes to boost their natural defense mechanisms against warmer weather and disease.
“We’re looking at how pests and diseases interact with the Fraser fir,” Whitehill said. “Ultimately, we do all this to try to help the growers and consumers in the long run.”
This story was produced by the Mountain West News Bureau, a collaboration between Wyoming Public Media, Nevada Public Radio (KNPR) in Las Vegas, Boise State Public Radio in Idaho, KUNR in Nevada, KUNC in Colorado and KANW in New Mexico, with support from affiliate stations across the region. Funding for the Mountain West News Bureau is provided in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
