Trees are still tops this year

The public need not worry about a lack of Christmas trees this year, despite claims otherwise.

Reports said the long dry summer would result in a shortage of trees, leading to a price rise for the remainder.

But Roger Hay, secretary of the British Christmas Tree Growers' Association, said the weather had affected a relatively small number of trees and none that were old enough to sell this year.

"Trees that were planted this spring have suffered quite badly because of the dry weather but the trees that are sold this year are fine - there is no problem.

"We are quite happy we will have good quality Christmas trees available in sufficient quantities and that the price won't be dramatically affected."

Most Christmas trees are sold at between seven or eight years of age.
The young trees worst hit have been in East Anglia and south-east England and only then on land without irrigation systems, said Mr Hay, whose association represents 400 growers.

"If we can manage the situation properly then the weather this year shouldn't have a long-term impact."

The biggest selling type of Christmas tree is the Nordmann fir which accounts for between 35% and 40% of the UK market.

Prices should be around £25 for a tree of between 6ft and 8ft which is unchanged from last year, added Mr Hay.