Research scientists help NB Christmas tree growers produce good product

Research scientists are playing a role in making sure New Brunswickers have Christmas trees they can be proud of each year.

While most pick up the centrepiece to their holiday display at a nearby tree lot, often there is not much thought put into the process that got it there.

In reality, growers have been working to bring each tree from sapling to living room for the better part of a decade.

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And while they certainly see the lion’s share of duties, those doing the day to day maintenance aren’t the only ones helping to support the Christmas tree population in the province.

“A lot of what we do as scientists is give them information,” explained Dr. Rob Johns, a Natural Resources Canada research scientist. “Where they would come to us is if they actually see some type of damage that they’re concerned about.”

If a grower finds a potential pest while maintaining their trees, pictures and/or samples are sent to Natural Resources Canada who can help to identify the insect or pathogen in question.

“If we can identify it then we try to tell them what potentially they could do with it or put them into contact with people that could help them out,” Johns said.

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Johns said their involvement is a preventative measure, but one that could help make sure New Brunswick forests continue to produce the high quality trees people love to decorate for the holidays.

“There’s not a huge concern for balsam fir in New Brunswick,” he said. “We’ve got a lot of it, it grows back very easily and we’ve got a good habitat for it to grow.”

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