SUN JOURNAL • October 14, 2025
This year, Maine saw its sixth-driest summer on record, with nearly 3 fewer inches of rain than the historical average of 11 inches. As of Oct. 9, 30% of Maine was in extreme drought, and the rest of the state was in moderate to severe drought. The drought has caused reductions in hay crops, shortened the season for many row crops, and could hurt next year’s berry and tree fruit. For many Christmas tree farmers, the dry conditions created a need for more irrigation or hand watering of the trees planted over the past two springs. The state’s Christmas tree industry, which includes producing and selling fresh trees and wreaths, creates an estimated $18 million in direct economic impact each year and supports nearly 800 jobs across the state. “Growers are prepared, supply is strong, and most are holding wholesale prices steady this year,” Marsha Gray, of the Real Christmas Tree Board, said.