CHRISTMAS trees could drop their needles and go bare before the big day due to drought, experts have warned.
Evergreens are at risk of losing their greenery after severe conditions in the summer caused them stress.
One grower said: “I’m sorry to say it could be a bare Christmas Day for some this year.
“Drought conditions were bad this summer with spruce, firs and pines all suffering significant stress due to the dry conditions.
“If trees are cut and placed in a home with central heating, many could drop their needles and be almost bare by Christmas.”
Walter Beard, from Leigh Sinton Farm near Malvern, Worcs, said buyers should put trees in water-holding stands, leave them outside as long as possible, and keep them away from radiators.
He added: “Needle fall could still be a problem. My advice would be to buy a freshly-cut tree.”
Dry conditions over the summer were described by growers as the worst since 1976 and 1977.
It takes an average of 12 years for a Christmas tree to mature, so this year’s weather will also affect future festive firs.
This year’s dry weather affected newly-planted trees more than mature ones, the British Christmas Tree Growers’ Association said.
Christmas tree farmers are adapting to warmer weather with moves such as installing irrigation systems.
They are also planting trees in the autumn, rather than spring, to give them more time to grow roots before dry weather hits.
Boffins are also trying to breed trees that can withstand warmer weather.
