Vermont’s Christmas Tree Farms Facing Climate Change Challenges
Excess rain caused by climate change could be linked to challenges with growing Christmas trees in Vermont, impacting farmers like Will and Sue Sutton of Balsam Acres Christmas Tree Farm. The Suttons, who co-own the farm in Worcester, are facing significant losses due to soil saturation caused by intense rainfall, making it difficult for roots to breathe and resulting in tree diseases. As a result, they have lost hundreds of trees and are down to just two trees left for sale as of Dec. 15.
Impacts of Climate Change on Vermont Tree Farms
Will Sutton highlighted the devastating effects of the 2023 and 2024 floods, which wiped out a substantial portion of their tree inventory, making it challenging to recover. The saturated soil has led to more tree damage and diseases, affecting their business significantly. The Suttons’ experience is reflective of a broader trend across Washington County farms, where natural disasters, especially riverine flooding, are causing substantial financial losses.
Varied Responses to Climate Change
While some farmers like Thomas Paine from Paine’s Christmas Trees in Morristown and Jane Murray from Murray Hill Farm in Waterbury have managed to mitigate the impacts of climate change due to more favorable soil conditions, others like Steve Moffatt from Moffatt’s Tree Farm in Craftsbury are experiencing severe losses. Moffatt has noticed a decline in tree health, prompting him to consider planting alternate tree species that are more resilient to changing climate conditions.
Looking Ahead
Moffatt emphasized the need for long-term planning and adaptation to address the challenges posed by climate change on tree farming. He stressed the importance of diversifying tree species and considering new varieties that can thrive in the changing climate. As tree farmers grapple with ongoing environmental changes, the industry faces uncertainty and the need for innovative solutions to ensure its sustainability in the years to come.
