DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) -- Christmas trees in Iowa and other Midwestern states could become the newest victims of this year's drought.

The Des Moines Register reports (http://dmreg.co/U4sfI5 ) that the hot and dry summer took a harsh toll on tree seedlings. When the newly planted trees are ready for harvest by 2019, the selection could be sickly and sagging. Growers have also reported losses in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan.

Boone County tree farmer Jesse Randall says the supply will tighten in upcoming years. But growers and foresters say this year's crop, planted in 2005, will be as diverse as usual.

Randall says the drought was especially hard on fir trees, which are popular among buyers because of their silvery evergreen hues and rich aromas.

___

Information from: The Des Moines Register, http://www.desmoinesregister.com

Copyright 2012 The AP.