Despite the hot and extremely dry summer, there are enough fresh Christmas trees to go around. LSU AgCenter research associate Joe Nehlig says there is a little bit of a shortage, but nothing to worry about.
“Those that got affected severely have mitigated some efforts to save their trees and I also know some farms that are importing some trees just to make up for the lack that we lost in the drought,” said Nehlig.
Nehlig says the combination of fungus and the drought affected Leyland Cypress growers the most. He grows over 500 Carolina Sapphire trees near Bogalusa, they are more resistant to a fungus that attacks Christmas trees.
“I did not lose any trees, “said Nehlig. “I took little irrigation efforts during the drought and they all made it.”
Nehlig says many tree farmers irrigated this summer to minimize crop losses.
“Don’t worry, we’re going to have Christmas trees, so get out there and check out all the local farms and get a live tree this year,” said Nehlig.
Because irrigation was needed on most farms, it may cost a little bit more, but Nehlig says there’s nothing like a fresh Christmas tree to brighten up the holidays
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