Christmas trees have long been a staple in holiday celebrations, with their origins dating back to ancient civilizations such as Egypt and Rome. However, the modern tradition of decorating evergreen trees during the holiday season can be traced back to German immigrants in Pennsylvania in the 1800s. This custom gained popularity in the United States after a sketch of Queen Victoria and her German-born husband and their children with a Christmas tree was published in a women’s magazine.
Despite the rise of synthetic trees in recent years, many people still prefer the look and smell of real Christmas trees. However, these natural trees are facing new threats due to climate change. To shed light on the risks that Christmas tree growers are facing, Kendra Pierre-Louis interviewed Priya Rajarapu, an assistant professor and Christmas tree extension specialist at Oregon State University.
Rajarapu explained that Christmas trees are typically fir trees or evergreens, chosen for their symbolism of hope and the anticipation of the spring season. In the United States, Christmas trees are an important agricultural commodity, with approximately 14 million trees sold annually. The major Christmas tree-producing states include Oregon, North Carolina, Washington, and Michigan.
Unlike trees in the forest, farmed Christmas trees are cultivated and pruned to achieve the perfect triangular shape that is ideal for hanging ornaments. Growers invest time in shaping these trees to create a full and bushy appearance, catering to consumers who prefer natural-looking trees over synthetic options.
One of the challenges that Christmas tree growers face is the impact of climate change on tree production. Changing temperatures and reduced precipitation are making it difficult for trees to thrive, especially during the crucial first year of growth after transplanting seedlings. Additionally, warmer climates and drought conditions are attracting pests such as bark beetles and twig weevils, which can further stress the trees.
Rajarapu highlighted the importance of choosing the right site for tree species to mitigate these risks and ensure the health of Christmas trees. With climate patterns shifting and extreme weather events becoming more common, Christmas tree growers must adapt their practices to protect their crops and meet consumer demand for natural trees. By understanding the challenges posed by climate change, researchers and growers can work together to find sustainable solutions for the future of Christmas tree production. Climate change is impacting tree farmers in ways that they never imagined. With changing weather patterns and extended periods of drought, tree seedlings are struggling to survive in the harsh conditions. In a recent interview with a researcher at Oregon State University, Dr. Rajarapu discussed the challenges faced by tree farmers and the innovative solutions being explored to combat these issues.
Dr. Rajarapu explained that typically, the only time tree seedlings go without any precipitation is during the months of August and September. However, with climate change, this period has extended to 100 days, leaving the soil unable to hold moisture for that long. In response to this, Dr. Rajarapu is conducting field experiments to monitor soil moisture levels throughout the growing season and testing different mulch coverings to improve moisture retention in the soil.
One promising solution that has emerged from previous research is the use of mulch to protect seedlings and reduce soil temperature. While wood mulch has been effective in the past, Dr. Rajarapu is exploring alternative options such as sawdust, compost, and hazelnut shells to see if they can provide similar benefits at a lower cost. Initial results show that any type of mulch can help seedlings survive better than having no mulch at all, but further research is needed to assess the impact on soil nutrition.
In addition to mulching practices, tree farmers are also turning to new species of trees that are more resilient to changing climate conditions. Researchers have identified species from Europe, such as Nordmann and Turkish fir, that have proven to be more tolerant to temperature changes, drought, and pests compared to native species like noble fir. By establishing seed orchards for these new species, tree farmers hope to ensure a stable supply of live Christmas trees for consumers in the future.
Despite the challenges posed by climate change, Dr. Rajarapu remains optimistic about the future of live Christmas trees. While there may be a decrease in the number of acres dedicated to tree production, efforts are being made to keep the supply accessible to consumers. By adapting to changing conditions and exploring new strategies for tree cultivation, tree farmers are working hard to ensure that live Christmas trees remain a cherished holiday tradition for years to come. Thank you so much for taking the time to speak with us today. We truly appreciate your insights and expertise on the topic at hand.
Rajarapu: Sure, Kendra.
As we wrap up today’s episode, I want to extend my gratitude to all our listeners for tuning in. We will be taking a short break for the holidays and will return with fresh episodes in 2026. In the meantime, we will be featuring some of our favorite episodes from 2025, so be sure to check those out next week.
Science Quickly is a collaborative effort, produced by Kendra Pierre-Louis, Fonda Mwangi, Sushmita Pathak, and Jeff DelViscio. Special thanks to Shayna Posses and Aaron Shattuck for fact-checking our show, and Dominic Smith for composing our theme music. For more cutting-edge science news, don’t forget to subscribe to Scientific American.
As we sign off for now, I want to thank you once again for joining us. Stay curious, stay informed, and we look forward to bringing you more fascinating insights in the future.
For Scientific American, this is Kendra Pierre-Louis. Until next time!
