"The Christmas tree feels like a tradition from time immemorialand in some ways it is. Historians trace the use of evergreens in winter festivals as far back as ancient Egypt and Rome. But the modern American custom has more recent roots: to the 1800s and German immigrants in Pennsylvania. These immigrants are believed to have brought the practice to their new home in the U.S."
"And while a number of people in recent years have opted for lower-maintenance synthetic trees, many revelers still prefer the look and smell of real trees. But because of climate change natural Christmas trees and their fans are facing new threats. Today we talk to Priya Rajarapu, an assistant professor and Christmas tree extension specialist at Oregon State University, about the risks tree growers are weathering and what, if anything, can be done."
Evergreen trees have been used in winter festivals since ancient Egypt and Rome, and the modern American Christmas-tree custom traces to 1800s German immigrants in Pennsylvania. A widely published sketch of Queen Victoria and her German-born family helped popularize the decorated tree in the United States. Some consumers choose synthetic trees, while many prefer the appearance and scent of real trees. Climate change is creating new threats to natural Christmas trees and affecting growers. Priya Rajarapu, an assistant professor and Christmas-tree extension specialist at Oregon State University, provides diagnostic and management assistance to growers facing tree health and climate-related challenges.
Read at www.scientificamerican.com
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