douglas fir

Oregon is the Christmas tree capital of the country, producing over 3 million of the festive evergreens every year. And when Christmas tree growers have a concern with their crops of noble or Douglas firs, they call Oregon State University’s Priya Rajarapu. She’s the state’s Christmas tree specialist.

In Southern Oregon, Douglas firs are dying. And warmer temperatures along with more severe droughts are making the problem worse. What does this mean for the future of forests in places like Ashland?

Researchers at Oregon State University have found that Douglas fir trees can tap into sources of water deep in the soil during long seasons without rain, but the trees become stressed when the air is hot and dry.

The North Albany Natural Area will be closed later this month to allow crews to remove dozens of potentially hazardous trees. An ongoing die-off of…

Haven't found that perfect Christmas tree yet? There's still time to buy a Forest Service permit and head for the woods.The permits are $5 each and allow…