Christmas trees in the UK may look different this year as growers warn of a potential shortage following the country's hottest summer on record and severe drought.
Extreme weather conditions have raised concerns about the health of this year's harvest. Oliver Combe, who operates York Christmas Trees and is supplying this year's tree for 10 Downing Street, reported losing 2,000 newly planted fir trees. Combe, 57, described it as a "tough year" for growers, noting a lack of "proper rain since Easter" and expressing that for the first time, they have experienced losses in newly planted trees.
In response to potential scarcity, retailers are beginning to offer alternative designs, including wooden and metal structures, starting at around £15. These minimalist alternatives, such as woven wicker trees or collapsible wall-hanging designs, aim to provide a festive option when traditional evergreen conifers might be unavailable.
IKEA is offering a £15 wooden, wall-mounted tree inspired by a coat rack. Its "Vinterfint" pine frame is customizable in width and shape, allowing for decoration with baubles and lights. The collapsible design is marketed for easy storage and can also be used to hang coats and hats. This wall tree has a 4.6 out of five rating, with customers praising its simple assembly and affordability. IKEA also features a "Strala" LED tree with 180 diodes and multiple light modes suitable for indoor and outdoor use.
George by Asda has introduced a five-foot wooden Christmas tree with a star for £35. This indoor tree, part of the "festive furnishings" category, has a 4.6 rating from 28 reviews, though it comes with a 30-day warranty. Reviewers have described it as easy to assemble and decorate, with one noting it was "cat-proof." The retailer also offers a three-foot black metal conical "hanging baubles tree decoration" for £20.
British homeware brand Cox & Cox presents a £135 light-up tree, nearly 10 feet tall, with a black metal frame and hinged branches adorned with lights. They also offer a £75 woven wicker cone and a smaller £40 "Scandi Metal Christmas Tree" designed for hanging baubles.
Debenhams has an "ornament display stand" that functions as a Christmas tree for £80, currently on sale for nearly half price. Constructed from sturdy iron, its branches are individually secured to a central pole to prevent sagging under the weight of decorations.
Separately, a survey indicated that a significant number of Britons are putting up their Christmas trees early, with one in ten planning to do so this week. Over 40% believe the traditional 24-day Christmas countdown is too short, and 17% feel festive immediately after Halloween. Approximately 25% have already started decorating and listening to Christmas music, while 22% plan to watch festive films. This trend of extending the holiday season has been dubbed "Christmas-maxxing" by Celebrations chocolates, which commissioned the survey of 2,000 adults.