In the midst of a heatwave and severe drought in the UK this summer, Divya Hariramani noticed a plum tree branch splitting from the tree while pruning in south London. The workers at Mitcham Community Orchard explained that the stress on the fruit tree was due to the extreme heat.
Hariramani, who shares her fruit tree observations on the social media account “Fruity Walks,” stated that the lack of adequate water supply to the trees during the heatwave causes parts of the trees to drop.
Despite London’s renowned stone architecture, the city is also famous for its mature urban forest, considered the largest in the world. However, this year has been challenging for the lush canopy due to five consecutive heatwaves and a significant rainfall deficit, straining plants and wildlife.
A recent report from Royal Botanic Gardens Kew projected a grim future for London’s urban forest. By the end of the century, 73% of the city’s trees could face the risk of dying due to climate change.
Kew Gardens collaborated with the Greater London Authority to evaluate over a million public trees, revealing that 62% have low suitability for future climate conditions. Additionally, nearly 11% are classified as vulnerable. In 2022, 400 trees at Kew died due to extreme heat and drought conditions, symbolizing the impact of climate change.
Kew unveiled a red oak tree as a stark representation of the consequences of climate change on London’s trees ahead of Climate Action Week. The UK experienced its driest July on record this year, leading to agricultural losses, food shortage warnings, and wildfires.
As temperatures in London rise, experts are considering planting different tree species that can better adapt to the changing climate conditions. Kew’s botanical horticulturist, Joe Richomme, emphasized the need to explore tree species that can thrive in hotter and drier weather while enduring England’s wet winters.
Paul Wood, a tree enthusiast and author, expressed concerns about the future of London’s iconic tree canopy amidst the city’s struggle with extreme heat and drought. He highlighted the historical and ecological significance of ancient woodlands in London, emphasizing the irreplaceable value of these longstanding trees.