California Drought Forcing Christmas Tree Farms To Import From Out Of State
SAN FRANCISCO (KPIX 5) -- California's drought is forcing Bay Area Christmas tree farms to import those trees from out of state.
Cordis Webb has worked at the Christmas Tree Jamboree in San Francisco for 46 years. He says three things are needed to grow a lush, green Christmas tree.
"A nice blend of sunshine, a little cold, and a lot of water. A lot of water," Webb said.
But, that last item on the list has been a problem in California after four straight years of drought conditions.
The drought has nearly crippled the state's home grown Christmas trees, which often need a gallon of water a day.
"What happens is the strongest side of the tree takes the water from the weak side, and that means instead of growing out, it grows in. That way, you have a deformed tree on one side," Webb said.
Christmas Tree Jamboree had to stop selling California grown trees a few years ago. They import trees from Washington and Oregon.
"It's taking a lot of money from California," Webb says.