The UK is facing a national Christmas tree shortage this year, and European growers are refusing to send their supply to Britain, according to the founder of a company that operates 11 tree farms in Scotland.
Josh Lyle, founder of Pines & Needles, said a combination of blistering summer heatwaves and the El Niño weather system has depleted the UK's Christmas crop. He added that European growers are selling their entire crop domestically instead of exporting to the UK.
European growers refuse to ship to the UK
“This year we have seen European growers simply refuse to ship to the UK,” said Lyle. “They can sell their entire crop domestically without the paperwork. With the UK already in shortage, that gap becomes very real.”
Importing from abroad is more complex than ever due to additional bureaucracy and logistical challenges after Brexit. For many UK-based suppliers, poor growing seasons have long-lasting effects.
Growing challenges and labour shortages
According to Pines and Needles, Christmas trees take around 8–10 years to reach a mature 6–7ft size. Brexit and the weather are just some of the problems suppliers across the nation are facing.
A shortage in labour is also impacting a number of tree farms. Lyle said: “We have spoken to farms that have struggled to harvest their trees because they simply do not have the workforce available. This is not a demand issue; it is a lack of hands. Better access to reliable seasonal labour would make a real difference to the industry.”
Retailers may not be fully stocked
Pines and Needles operates 11 farms across Scotland. Lyle said: “We see supply issues before most retailers do, and we act early.” He said many retailers will not be 'fully stocked' this year.
