Limited availability of plants during autumn and winter 21/22

The British Association of Landscape Industries wish to advise stakeholders that availability of plant stock is likely to be limited during the period autumn/winter 2021 and spring 2022. 

Limited plant stock first came to the attention of the Association in winter 2020/spring 2021 when contractor members reported difficulties in sourcing plants. Members responsible for growing and/or supplying plant material confirmed the issue, which led to the Association issuing a statement in spring 2021. The Association has monitored the situation and wish to advise the deficit of plant material is likely to persist during the 2021/22 planting season. 

While COVID-19 and Brexit are contributory factors, an increase in demand for material by domestic and commercial projects, as well as Government-led initiatives to plant trees and create woodlands, have been the main drivers of the shortage. 

Whilst availability of all sizes and species of plants may be limited, native bare root and specimen trees are likely to be worst affected. 

Suppliers have responded to the shortage by increasing the number of plants grown and supply chains have evolved to shorten delivery times where possible. However, the time taken to grow plants to maturity remains the same, as do the challenges – climate, pests, disease, and legislative changes arising from Brexit - associated with all horticultural operations. 

The Association urge stakeholders to be flexible regarding planting specifications over the next 6 months. In addition, suppliers request specifiers use the National Plant Specification and engage with them as early as possible regarding orders.