Drought kills newly planted trees, but Styrian Christmas tree supply holds

Drought has killed many newly planted Christmas trees in Styria, but growers say there will be enough trees for this year and coming seasons, ORF reports.

Harvesting has begun at the plantation of Martina Lienhart, head of the Styrian Christmas Tree Growers’ Association. The dry conditions did not cause problems for mature trees, she said, but almost all young trees planted in spring died.

Growers have replanted to replace the losses. Those trees will not be ready for harvest for seven to 10 years. The added costs have not been passed directly on to customers, although higher prices for fertiliser and labour have led to slight price increases.

About 420,000 Styrian Christmas trees will be harvested this year by 80 inspected businesses. Trees from the region carry a red, white and red band with a blue logo and the slogan “A tree from home”. Sales begin in many places on December 8. In Graz, they start between December 10 and 14.