Christmas tree alert as farmers issue major warning

Christmas tree growers in Britain warn that this summer’s heat and drought have killed many young trees, potentially reducing supplies in years to come. The losses matter because trees sold this winter were generally planted around five years ago, so the effects on future harvests may take several years to appear.

Warwickshire Christmas Tree Farm lost 5,500 of 7,500 trees planted this year and 1,500 from the previous year, despite using up to 20,000 litres of water a day. A Shropshire grower reported losing 90% of trees in a sandy-soil field, while growers said young saplings were especially vulnerable and drought may also affect needle retention. Some farms are shifting planting from spring to autumn; the growers’ association says research is under way into more climate-resilient tree varieties, while its chair urged buyers not to panic.