The recent heat wave across Europe has killed hundreds of thousands of trees in France. It is the worst crisis to hit France's forests since the violent storms in 1999. In the first half of August the extreme heat decimated forests due to lack of water and insects infestations. According to the Federation representing private owners, who control 70% of France's woodland, practically everything that was planted this year in the northeast area of France has died. Amongst the casualties is a 321 year old oak tree at the Palace of Versailles, which is said to have provided shade for Marie Antoinette. The tree was weakened by the 1999 storms and then found itself directly exposed to the August sun. "FlowerTech" www.HortiWorld.nl