As New Yorkers prepare for the holiday season, ongoing drought conditions threaten to dampen the Christmas spirit for some tree farmers. Nearly 60% of the Northeast faced drought last week, with more than a quarter experiencing severe conditions, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
Sixth-generation farmer Suzanne Stokoe tells Spectrum News mature trees on her farm remain resilient, thanks to deep root systems. However, younger trees face greater risks during dry spells.
Stokoe Farms provides popular options like Fraser, Douglas, and concolor firs, selling thousands annually. To keep trees fresh, Stokoe advises diligent watering and avoiding heat sources.
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