A mysterious fungus known as current season needle necrosis is affecting plantations of Nordmann firs, which account for 80 percent of Christmas trees sold in the UK. The disease has affected plantations elsewhere in Europe for around 20 years, but was first detected in Britain in 2009.

Growers across the country have reported an upswing in cases since 2009. Worryingly, no fungicide exists for the disease, which causes trees to lose their needles prematurely. The UK’s largest growers, in the South-East have reportedly suffered losses costing “hundreds of thousands of pounds”.

The British Christmas Tree Growers’ Association has said trees could become more expensive as a result of the disease’s impacts on production. However, contrary to other sectors, which were hit hard by the weather, the dreary summer has led to bumper Christmas tree production in the UK, though growers maintain they are concerned about next year.

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