How is climate change affecting Christmas trees in Ontario?

Climate change is causing extreme heat, drought, and erratic freeze-thaw cycles, which significantly slow down the growth of Christmas trees, making them take longer to mature.

What is the University of Waterloo Christmas Tree Lab doing?

The lab collaborates with Ontario Christmas tree farms to research and promote sustainable practices, helping the industry adapt to climate change impacts.

Are real Christmas trees better for the environment than artificial ones?

Yes, real Christmas trees generally have a lower environmental impact than artificial trees, which are made from fossil fuels and often shipped long distances.

Home / Environment / Ontario Christmas Trees Battle Climate Change Woes

Ontario Christmas Trees Battle Climate Change Woes

6 Dec

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Summary

University of Waterloo lab researches sustainable Christmas tree farming.
Climate events like extreme heat delay tree growth by years.
Real Christmas trees are more eco-friendly than artificial ones.

Christmas tree farms across Ontario are contending with the adverse effects of climate change. A dedicated lab at the University of Waterloo, established in 2022, is actively partnering with these farms to develop more sustainable and environmentally conscious practices. This initiative aims to support the industry as it navigates challenges posed by shifting weather patterns.

Director Kelsey Leonard highlights how extreme heat, drought, and unpredictable freeze-thaw cycles are significantly affecting crop yields. What once took seven to ten years for a tree to grow now requires eight to twelve years, a trend observed by growers like Joe Wareham. This extended growth period, coupled with issues like late frosts and pests, presents considerable operational difficulties.

Despite these hurdles, Ontario's Christmas tree growers are demonstrating climate leadership by focusing on biodiversity and species diversity, which enhances farm resilience. Real Christmas trees are also underscored as a more sustainable choice than artificial ones, which are derived from fossil fuels and often transported long distances, contributing to a greater environmental impact.