In the midst of a heatwave and severe drought in the UK this summer, Divya Hariramani was trimming a plum tree in south London when she noticed an issue with one of its branches. The branch was starting to break away from the tree due to the stress the fruit tree was experiencing, as explained by workers at Mitcham Community Orchard.
Hariramani, who showcases fruit trees and their caretakers in London on her social media account called Fruity Walks, attributed the branch issue to the heat causing water deficiency in the trees, leading to parts dropping off.
While London is renowned for its historic stone architecture, it also boasts a vast urban forest, considered one of the largest globally. However, this year has been challenging for London’s lush canopy due to multiple heatwaves and a significant rainfall deficit, straining plants and wildlife. A recent report from the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew warns that climate change could put 73% of London’s trees at risk of dying by the end of the century.
The Kew Gardens tree collections and arboriculture team collaborated with the Greater London Authority to evaluate over a million public trees, revealing that a majority of them are not well-suited to future climate conditions without emission reduction efforts. Additionally, extreme heat and drought conditions in 2022 resulted in the death of 400 trees at Kew Gardens, prompting the symbolic preservation of a red oak tree trunk to represent the impact of climate change on London’s trees.
As the UK faced its driest July on record this year, farmers struggled with crop losses, food scarcity warnings, and wildfires. The prolonged heat and lack of rain affected park grass, tree foliage, and overall vegetation across the country, signaling the severity of the situation.
Looking ahead, experts are considering planting different tree species in London as temperatures rise beyond the capacity of current trees. Botanical horticulturists like Joe Richomme from Kew Gardens are exploring tree species that can thrive in hotter, drier climates while enduring England’s wet winters.
Paul Wood, an author specializing in London’s trees, expressed concerns about the future of the city’s tree-lined streets and ancient woodlands amidst extreme weather conditions. He emphasized the historical significance and biodiversity supported by London’s trees, highlighting the irreplaceable value of these natural treasures.
The challenges faced by London’s urban forest underscore the urgent need for climate action to safeguard the city’s green spaces and biodiversity for future generations.
