The demand for ‘real' Christmas trees is growing, but there might not be enough to go round this year, and the worst shortage will be of trees higher than 6ft, says the British Christmas Tree Growers Association (BCTGA). Growers are reporting that unusually severe late-spring frosts in Europe killed 25% of the harvest-in Sweden alone, 50,000 trees were lost.
Another problem is over-cutting by growers who are cutting early to meet demand, which leads to fewer taller trees. A third issue is a disease called current season needle necrosis (CSNN), which causes needles on fir trees to turn brown and fall off.
The Tree Barn, which supplies No 10, Downing Street, has told Horticulture Week that it expects to lose 10% of its crop each year due to the disease.
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380 acres and 90 bedrooms on the £25m private island being sold by one of Britain's top music producersStormzy, Rihanna and the Rolling Stones are just a part of the story at Osea Island, a dot on the map in the seas off Essex.
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'A delicious chance to step back in time and bask in the best of Britain': An insider's guide to The SeasonHere's how to navigate this summer's top events in style, from those who know best.
