ATLANTA, Nov. 17 (UPI) — The severe drought gripping the U.S. South is stunting growth and yielding less vibrant evergreens at Atlanta-area Christmas tree farms. While many of the Georgia-grown trees are drought tolerant, the severe lack of water affects the height and foliage of many trees, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported Saturday. Area growers anticipate a normal holiday season at their farms despite the the drought conditions.
Trees normally reaching as high as 12 feet may only reach 7 feet tall as the normal growth pattern of 2 feet per year is down to as little as 4 inches of growth over this dry year. Dennis Bottoms of Bottoms’ Christmas Tree Farm said that the real effects of drought won’t be felt for another few years. “That means a possible shortage of medium height trees in the 7 foot range. Shortages could translate into slightly higher prices.
Or more trees will be plagued with blight, Bottoms told the Journal-Constitution. “They may think they’ve died and gone to heaven when you take them home and put them in some water,” he said of the trees. 2007 United Press International. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be reproduced, redistributed, or manipulated in any form.