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 the branches. The branch was starting to split from the tree due to stress caused by the heat, as explained by the workers at Mitcham Community Orchard.
Hariramani, who showcases fruit trees and their caretakers in London on a social media platform called Fruity Walks, described how the lack of water during the heatwave can lead to parts of trees dropping off.
While London is famous for its stone architecture, it is also known for its extensive urban forest, considered one of the largest globally. This year, however, the urban forest has faced challenges due to consecutive heatwaves and minimal rainfall, putting strain on plants and wildlife.
A recent report by Royal Botanic Gardens Kew predicts a concerning future for London’s trees. By the end of the century, 73% of the city’s trees could be at risk of dying due to climate change.
Kew Gardens, in collaboration with the Greater London Authority, assessed over a million public trees, revealing that 62% of them are ill-suited to future climate conditions without emission reduction efforts. Additionally, nearly 11% are considered vulnerable.
In 2022, Kew Gardens lost 400 trees to extreme heat and drought, leaving one red oak as a poignant symbol of the impact of climate change on London’s trees.
The exceptionally dry July on record in Britain led to challenges for farmers, food shortages, and wildfires. In London, park grass turned yellow, trees lost leaves prematurely, and branches appeared more wilted than usual.
As London experiences rising temperatures, botanists are contemplating planting different tree species better suited to the changing climate. Kew Gardens is researching tree species that can thrive in hotter, drier conditions while enduring England’s wetter winters.
Paul Wood, a writer specializing in London’s trees, expresses concern about the future of the city’s green spaces and ancient woodlands in the face of extreme heat and drought. He highlights the historical and ecological significance of London’s trees, emphasizing their irreplaceable value.