Drought Threatens New Hampshire's Holiday Trees

New Hampshire, a major Christmas tree producer, is experiencing significant drought, jeopardizing its evergreen future. While mature trees have largely endured the dry conditions, younger seedlings and saplings are highly susceptible. Extended dryness, especially into spring, could halt their growth and cause widespread mortality.

This prolonged lack of moisture poses a threat to future harvests, as Christmas trees take nearly a decade to mature. Scientists attribute the intensification of these dry spells to human-driven climate warming, which makes droughts more frequent and recovery more challenging.

Growers are actively monitoring soil moisture and adjusting planting strategies. Extension programs offer guidance, and consumers can support farms by purchasing local trees and caring for them properly. These collective efforts aim to ensure the sustainability of traditions facing water scarcity.