LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — Tree farms are gearing up for Christmas, but one owner says this summer's high temperatures affected the younger trees.
Tom Nieman, of Nieman's Tree Farm says that the tall trees are good and ready for the holidays, but the younger trees were hurt by the hot and dry conditions.
"The small ones, the one and two year trees, we're losing some of them. Five years from now, that's when you pay the price for the drought now and that's the problem," said Nieman.
Nieman told LEX 18's Alex Valverde that this is the hottest summer he's experienced at the tree farm, and if this trend continues, he'll need to rethink how he cares for the trees.
"Look at irrigation and look at maybe different drainage situations. that's very expensive and time consuming and labor intensive. we have to factor all of that in. ultimately, that could impact down the road the prices of trees," he said.
Right now, Nieman said he is not worrying too much and said he'll adjust as needed. The cooler temperatures and rain in the forecast are good news for the rest of the trees working their way up to holiday-level heights.
