Drought and heat damage Christmas tree crops, but supplies remain adequate this year

The UK’s exceptionally hot, dry summer has damaged Christmas tree crops, with growers reporting losses among young firs and slower growth in established trees. The effects could contribute to shortages in future years because trees take years to mature, although growers say there should be enough trees for this Christmas.

East Sussex farmer Clive Collins said a late May frost also damaged older trees, while import costs and transport problems have reduced supplies from abroad. He lost young trees and planted 1,800 replacements; York grower Oliver Combe said about 2,000 newly planted trees died after months without proper rain. Growers are adapting by planting in autumn and considering irrigation, but a Christmas tree typically takes around seven years to reach six feet, plus time to raise a sapling.