Climate Christmas Trees | Northwest | union-bulletin.com - Walla Walla Union-Bulletin

Climate Christmas Trees | Northwest | union-bulletin.com

Climate Christmas Trees
Gary Chastagner, a Washington State University professor called "Dr. Christmas Tree" demonstrates a needle-loss test on a Turkish fir sample at the school's Puyallup Research and Extension Center on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023, in Puyallup, Wash. Chastagner has been working with breeders to see if species from other parts of the world — for instance, Turkish fir — are better adapted to conditions being wrought by climate change. Jason Redmond - freelancer, ASSOCIATED PRESS

As featured on

For decades, Christmas tree growers and breeders have been preparing for a future of hotter weather and warming soil. People buying their trees may not have noticed a difference in availability this year and may not even in the next couple. But the trees being grown right now are the beloved holiday traditions of tomorrow for millions of families. And some growers say they know they have to be ready to adapt. Some researchers are working with breeders to see if species from other parts of the world are better adapted to a warming climate. But some scientists say there isn’t enough research on warming soil temperatures that could affect Christmas trees and many other crops, especially trees.

Trending Now

- College Place Police: Employee of treatment facility found dead
- Artists to continue endeavors after Telander Gallery closure Dec. 31
- Stay A-round Donuts and Fry-pies opens new location in Milton-Freewater
- First flu-related death of the season reported in Walla Walla County
- ACLU says Walla Walla council comment policy for disruptions is too broad