The hot, dry weather that dominated the region in late September and early October shouldn't have much of an effect on this year's Christmas tree crop. It could mean fewer trees in the future, though.
Kimberly Brown with the Indiana Christmas Tree Growers Association says the trees themselves are pretty hardy and can survive a lot. "Mature trees that will be ready to harvest have put their roots down so deeply that I feel like they probably will survive and be okay," she says.
Brown adds some of the Christmas trees that were planted this year won't live to maturity because of the lack of rain.
"I do feel it could affect the future harvest but it seems that most Christmas tree growers plant so many trees. They expect to lose some, or it's not an alarming thing unless it's half your crop or more."
Brown says the trees planted this year won't be ready for another seven or eight years and a lot can happen between now and then.
