Does your Christmas tree look different this year? Here's why

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- It's that time of year -- December is here and many central Ohioans will be flocking to the Christmas tree farm to find that perfect tree.  

Drought conditions have been hard on Christmas tree growers. According to the Ohio Christmas Tree Association, young seedlings planted this year were most impacted, but if these conditions continue for the next several years that could lead to trouble. 

Bruce Taylor, owner of Taylor Christmas Tree Farm, said fortunately the drought took place after their main growing season so there are minimal impacts on Christmas trees this year. 

"The biggest impact actually, that we've had would be more of the warm weather going too far into the season," Taylor said. "Therefore, we can't harvest because we at least want to have two frosts before we would harvest our trees. Otherwise, they could die out sooner."

Jeff Greig, president of the Ohio Christmas Tree Association, said if anything, trees may look a bit different this year.   

"You might find some trees that aren't as deep a green, just because some of that fertilizer and some of those nutrients haven't leeched down into the soil yet," Greig said.  

Despite this, there is still an abundance of Christmas trees in central Ohio, but as for how long it will last in your home, that depends on how well you take care of it.  

"People might look at it in the morning and there's water in it, but a tree can drink a couple of gallons of water during the day if it needs that much water," Greig said. "So, you have to pay attention to it." 

Greig advises that you keep the tree out of the garage because it'll naturally dry the tree out faster. 

"Leave it outside on the ground, in the shade, let it get rained on, snowed on, whatever it is, don't put it in direct sunlight, but just lay it on the ground," Greig said. "It'll absorb some moisture that way." 

Greig also recommends not placing your tree near a heat source like a fireplace or heater which can also increase the fire risk. 

Meantime, Rick Sluder, the state fire marshal's office chief deputy, is encouraging people to use quality decorations.

"Invest in good electrical products," Sluder said. "Don't overload circuits, don't overload plugs when you're lighting your tree and those will be some really good steps to prevent unwanted fires in your home."  

According to experts, if you purchase a fresh-cut tree and keep it well-watered, it should last through at least the first of the new year. How long it lasts also depends on what type of tree you purchase. The firs and white pine tend to last longer in the home than some of the spruces.  

You may have some trouble finding a Fraser Fir this year, which is a popular tree mainly grown in the Carolinas. Joat-Mon Tree Farm in Delaware County said this year it won't have any pre-cut Fraser Firs shipped in for customers. Part of the reason for the shortage is that on top of Hurricane Helene, large portions of North and South Carolina also experienced drought.