Climate change kills balsam firs, threatening Christmas tree tradition

In Canada, the balsam fir, a tree critical to the Christmas tree industry, has faced severe die-offs due to drought and high temperatures attributed to climate change. A study published in the journal 'Frontiers in Forests and Global Change' reveals that notable mortality of these trees has been observed particularly in western New Brunswick and eastern Maine. Researchers, including University of New Brunswick forestry professor Anthony Taylor and his co-authors, attribute this phenomenon to the warmer and drier climate conditions prevalent in recent years, which exacerbate the trees' vulnerability to pests, diseases, and climate variability. The balsam fir, comprising about 20 percent of New Brunswick's trees, thrives in cold winters and warm, damp summers. This species, primarily known for its pungent aroma and attractive shape, accounts for more than 95 percent of Christmas trees in the province, with approximately 200,000 of these trees being exported mainly to the United States each year. However, as climate change manifests with increasing frequency, the conditions necessary for balsam fir growth are deteriorating, posing a risk to both local ecosystems and related economic activities. In 2017, warm, dry summers combined with a hot fall led to widespread drought in New Brunswick. Observations made by Taylor confirmed that such harsh environmental conditions are particularly detrimental to balsam fir trees, as they require specific climate conditions to flourish. As the climate changes and the prevalence of pests increases, older trees struggle to survive, resulting in stunted growth and reduced vitality. The study emphasizes the need for further research into the interplay between climate change and forestry and what can be done to protect these essential trees. Climate change poses a serious threat to the ecosystem and the economy that relies on balsam fir trees for Christmas tree cultivation. Experts are increasingly concerned that, without significant action against climate change, many of the beloved balsam fir Christmas trees may be drastically diminished in availability over the next few decades. As the situation continues to evolve, awareness and proactivity regarding climate change remain crucial to safeguard not only the balsam fir but other susceptible tree species as well.