Britain is bracing for a potential Christmas tree shortage in the coming years as the country grapples with the aftermath of its hottest summer on record and severe drought. The extreme weather conditions have led to the loss of thousands of young fir saplings and stunted the growth of more mature trees.
Growers report that the exceptionally dry weather in England and Wales meant many young trees did not survive their first year, while established crops experienced reduced growth. As Christmas trees typically take eight years to mature before harvesting, concerns are mounting over the health and availability of future harvests.
Clive Collins, founder of Catsfield Christmas Tree Farm in East Sussex, noted that a late frost in May also impacted the growth of older trees. He explained that logistical challenges, including a shortage of lorry drivers and increased fuel costs, have also reduced the number of imported trees this year, leading to a greater reliance on domestic supply.
"This is making importing very expensive," Collins told the Daily Mail. "As a result, there is a shift towards domestic sourcing and British consumers will be relying more heavily on the millions of trees being grown domestically on UK plantations."
While Collins assured there should be sufficient trees for the current year, he cautioned that the weather has affected the quality of some, potentially making it harder for consumers to find their "perfect tree." He added that autumn planting is becoming more common due to unpredictable weather patterns, with more rain needed to help roots establish.
Oliver Combe, who runs York Christmas Trees, reported losing approximately 2,000 newly planted trees to the hot, dry summer. He is now experimenting with autumn planting to encourage root growth before potential summer droughts.
James and Ruth Wallis of Sutton Hall Farm in East Sussex lost 20,000 trees planted two years prior. Mr. Wallis stated that the drought made it difficult for trees to absorb nutrients, causing some to turn yellow. His farm's harvest is expected to fall by a third this year.
Will and Ella Miles of Welford Christmas Tree Farm in Northamptonshire lost 4,000 saplings to the drought and are also shifting to autumn planting. Russell Parkins of the British Christmas Tree Association described it as a "tough year" but confirmed that sufficient trees are available, though maintaining their condition is a challenge.
Much of the UK, particularly parts of south-west England and Wales, remains in drought conditions following the hottest summer since records began in 1884. Experts suggest that at least 120% of average rainfall will be needed over the next six months for the country to emerge from drought by spring.