Sponsored by HEARTS, 美华文学, and 硅谷女性

Home / Global Environment / Climate change makes it hard to find Christmas trees

Climate change makes it hard to find Christmas trees

By: Suri Zheng 

Christmas Tree Farms Near Chicago - Chicago Parent

Did you notice that the number of live Christmas trees for sale has been reduced this year? The main culprit is none-other than climate change. Over the years climate change has been increasing leading to a slight decrease in the Christmas tree market every year.

To understand the consequences that climate change is having on Christmas trees, we need first to understand a bit more about these trees. These trees are more commonly called “Christmas trees” but did you know that there are 16 different types of trees that can be used as Christmas trees? Ranging from Balsam Firs to Red Cedars. Balsam Firs tend to be the most popular in North America because of the scent the leaves give off and the needles can be retained a little longer. The trees that generally would be used for Christmas trees and grown on plantations and farms, can also be developed in the wild but this way makes the trees less sustainable for an extended period. 

Other than climate change, other factors contribute to the decrease in Christmas trees, such as the pandemic and many people wanting to have their Christmas trees inside their homes. But mainly the huge reason is climate change, such as wildfires, flooding, droughts, and many other natural disasters. 

But this is not the end, scientists are trying to find ways to protect Christmas trees in the future. They are trying to find key traits in different trees that can adapt to more harsh weather climate change can bring. There is also the possibility that scientists will select non-native tree species to grow on Christmas tree farms. Species such as Turkey Fir and the Nordmann Fir are more disease and climate-change tolerant. 

About Suri Zheng

Check Also

Afforestation

By Suri Zheng Afforestation is the deliberate process of establishing a forest or planting trees …

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *