Freshly planted Christmas trees across Britain were wiped out this year after soaring temperatures scorched the landscape.

Young trees struggled to cope in the heatwave conditions that struck over summer, and growers estimate around a third of their new crop perished.

Though customers are unlikely to be left without a tree for Christmas, farmers say they must adapt to a future of extreme conditions in order to protect future supplies.

Met Office scientists have announced heatwaves will soon become the norm in Britain, with summer temperatures shooting up by over 5C within decades.

Farmers of all stripes were hit hard by this year’s unpredictable weather, with reports of arable crops ripening early and warnings of lettuce and broccoli shortages.

Among Christmas trees, recently planted saplings with smaller roots were left unable to suck up enough water from the parched ground.

“Trees planted in the last two years have suffered significant losses … because the weather was unseasonably dry and hot,” said Adrian Morgan from the British Christmas Tree Growers Association.

Extinction rebellion: Climate change protesters block London bridges Show all 25 1 /25 Extinction rebellion: Climate change protesters block London bridges Extinction rebellion: Climate change protesters block London bridges Demonstrators block Westminster Bridge in central London to show anger at government inaction on climate and ecological issues AFP/Getty Extinction rebellion: Climate change protesters block London bridges A pro environment protester is arrested by police on Lambeth bridge in London EPA Extinction rebellion: Climate change protesters block London bridges Organised by Extinction Rebellion, the protest is part of many taking place this weekend to bring attention to political inaction on issues of pollution and climate change Reuters Extinction rebellion: Climate change protesters block London bridges A demonstrator puts tape on her mouth as she takes part in a pro-environment protest blocking Westminster Bridge in central London on November 17, 2018, calling on the British government to take action on climate and ecological issues. - Organized by Extinction Rebellion, the protest is part of many taking place this weekend to call for action on what they describe as a climate and ecological emergency. 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Extinction Rebellion demands that the UK government reduces to net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2025 and creates a citizens assembly to oversee changes in environmental policies. (Photo by Tolga AKMEN / AFP)TOLGA AKMEN/AFP/Getty Images TOLGA AKMEN AFP/Getty Extinction rebellion: Climate change protesters block London bridges epa07172610 Pro environment protesters block Westminster bridge in central London, Britain, 17 November 2018. Reports state that the protest organized by Extinction Rebellion group is planning to close five main bridges across the river Thames, seeking to bring attention to political inaction on issues of pollution and climate change. 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Photo credit should read: John Stillwell/PA Wire John Stillwell PA Extinction rebellion: Climate change protesters block London bridges Environmental campaigners from the direct action group Rebellion demonstrate on Westminster Bridge in central London, Britain, November 17, 2018. REUTERS/Peter Nicholls PETER NICHOLLS Reuters Extinction rebellion: Climate change protesters block London bridges Demonstrators take part in a pro-environment protest as they block Westminster Bridge, near the Houses of Parliament in central London on November 17, 2018, to show anger at government inaction on climate and ecological issues. - Organised by Extinction Rebellion, the protest is part of many taking place this weekend to bring attention to political inaction on issues of pollution and climate change. 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Across Europe, he said, up to 70 per cent of trees planted in the spring perished in the heat, which approached record-breaking levels in parts of the continent.

This is cause for concern as the UK sources up to a fifth of its Christmas trees from European nations, particularly Denmark.

“In the UK, with its slightly more maritime climate and somewhat heavier soil … the figure would be somewhat less, but nevertheless around 30-40 per cent of trees planted,” said Mr Morgan.

Rob Morgan, owner of Gower Fresh Christmas Trees near Swansea, reported losses of around 10,000 trees in the sweltering heat in July, and said while he is sure his operation will bounce back, climate change is a real concern.

“I’m in the height of tree-cutting season at the moment but in the back of my mind is global warming,” he said.

Among Rob Morgan’s crop are Fraser firs, a niche variety which are particularly susceptible to the heat even when fully grown. But even the more hardy northern firs that form the bulk of Britain’s trees are likely to struggle during their early stages as conditions become more extreme.

Dr Nicola Cannon, from the Royal Agricultural University, said this summer showed there was a need for farmers across the country to urgently prepare as traditional systems are thrown into disarray by the changing climate.

“We’re seeing a lack of predictability in when we can sow crops due to extreme weather events, such as in 2018 the late Beast from the East meant farmers couldn’t plant spring crops until much later, and then they were immediately hit by the dry weather in the summer,” she said.

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One tactic that Adrian Morgan says will be crucial for growers to ensure future harvests will be to begin planting trees in autumn, a move that will prove difficult for many.

“It’s a leap of faith in a way, because a lot of people growing Christmas trees in England and Wales are also arable farmers, and there’s a significant amount of pressure on them to get their harvest in,” he said.

Due to the decade-long growing time of Christmas trees, the effects of the recent extreme weather will not be fully felt for several years, but the growers already seem to be accepting the need to change.

In his role as a supplier of young trees, Adrian Morgan said he had already seen a surge in demand in September as farmers responded to the changing conditions.