TUALATIN, Oregon — As Oregonians begin choosing their Christmas trees for the season, Oregon State University (OSU) researchers are looking for ways to make the popular holiday crop more resilient.

They say some types of trees are better suited for rising summer heat, including the Nordmann fir, which is known for surviving extreme conditions and having strong branches. Researchers say the Turkish fir is also proving to be strong and adaptable in a warming climate.

But before the trees reach full size, researchers are trying to protect fragile seedlings struggling with hotter Northwest summers.

Priya Rajarapu, a Christmas tree expert at Oregon State University, is testing the use of mulch to help seedlings retain moisture. She is studying a field of seedlings at OSU’s North Willamette R

See Full Page