Christmas trees may cost more this holiday – and climate change is to blame.
The heat dome that trapped scorching temperatures of up to 117 degrees Fahrenheit over Oregon this summer also cooked 70 percent of noble fir saplings - a popular variety for Christmas trees- and 10 percent of all Pacific Northwest mature trees were damaged.
Oregon, which is deemed the epicenter of the Christmas tree industry, typically grows and harvests at least five million trees each year.
Tom Norby, president of Oregon Christmas Tree Growers Association, told Oregon Live that with the reduction in Christmas tree inventory compared to last year consumers will likely see a 10 percent price increase.
On top of climate change, this holiday season is also facing shipping delays and inflation that also means more money for a Christmas tree.
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The heat dome that trapped scorching temperatures of up to 117 degrees Fahrenheit over Oregon this summer also cooked 70 percent of the seedlings that should have grown into lush, green conifers – and it took eight years for these saplings to grow
The historic heatwave had its grips on parts of Canada, Oregon and Washington - where temperatures surpassed a record of 121 degrees - as well as the Northern Great Basin, Northern Idaho and parts of northwest Nevada and northern California.
The heat dome killed hundreds of people and massacred marine life in the ocean and along the shoreline – hundreds of shellfish were baked a live on beaches up and down the coast.
And experts say such weather events are virtually impossible without human-induced climate change.
Oregon grows 31 percent of the US's Christmas trees, making it the top producer in the nation.
Oregon grows 31 percent of the US's Christmas trees, making it the top producer in the nation. Not only did the region experience unprecedented temperatures, but it also saw 50 days without rain – the perfect storm for cooking trees to death
Matt Furrow, co-owner of Furrow Farms in Hillsboro, Oregon, lost 100 percent of the seedlings on his farm and 50 percent of mature trees that were to be sold this holiday. Pictured is a tree on Furrow's farm
Not only did the region experience unprecedented temperatures, but it also saw 50 days without rain – the perfect storm for cooking trees to death.
Matt Furrow, co-owner of Furrow Farms in Hillsboro, Oregon, lost 100 percent of the seedlings on his farm
