Experts at GardeningExpress.co.uk are warning families they may have to pay a significantly higher amount more for their Christmas trees than ever before this Christmas after record summer temperatures brought about reduced crops.
It is believed the record temperatures experienced across the UK and most of Europe combined with many weeks without significant rainfall resulted in difficult growing conditions for Christmas tree farmers.
The heatwave caused many trees to shed their leaves earlier than normal this year in what some commentators described as a ‘false autumn’. Evergreen Christmas trees stopped growing due to heat stress affecting them and many plantations that weren't able to irrigate experienced what experts are describing as "significant" losses of growing stock.
The supply of larger sized Christmas trees was also impacted by a severe drought and heatwave across Europe in 2018 when younger saplings that should now be ready to be harvested perished. The most impacted sizes are the best selling circa six footers, these are expected to be more scarce than usual, meaning prices are likely to be higher than in previous years.
Political problems across Europe have also brought about supply chain issues which could impact the importation of trees from colder climes.
It’s this combination of political and environmental issues which has led to a perfect storm this year when it comes to Christmas tree supplies.
The experts from GardeningExpress.co.uk point out that reduced supply could lead to increased costs for customers just when families are already struggling with the cost of living crisis.
GardeningExpress founder Chris Bonnett said: “Christmas tree growers have really struggled this year and we're expecting supplies of quality trees to be significantly impacted, -so if you want a good one, you need to order as early as possible or visit a retailer in person, at GardeningExpress we only sell top grade Christmas trees, but retailers usually buy mixed pallets from plantations to offer a variety of sizes, so no doubt there will be a higher ratio of lower grade trees in their this year.
“Most people order up their Christmas tree at the end of November and start of December and give it precious little thought before then.
“But for Christmas trees to be lush and verdant come December they had to be planted well in advance and they needed plenty of water in the months leading up to December.
“That just hasn’t been the case for all suppliers this year. Growers have had to struggle with record temperatures, water and labour shortages which brought about a reduction in quality and quantity of the crop.
“It will be a problem particularly for those wanting larger bushy Christmas trees, there is definitely going to be fewer of those around this year, and consequently they'll carry a premium price.
“The best advice is to pre-order your tree as early as possible to make sure you don’t miss out.”
For more information on the UK’s possible Christmas tree shortage please visit https://www.gardeningexpress.co.uk.
(Image courtesy of StockSnap and Pixabay)
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