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 a problem with one of its branches. The branch was starting to split from the tree, a sign of stress according to workers at Mitcham Community Orchard.
Hariramani, known for showcasing fruit trees and their caretakers in London on her social media account Fruity Walks, explained that the extreme heat was causing trees to struggle to supply enough water to their parts, leading to branches dropping.
While London is famous for its stone architecture, it is also renowned for its ancient urban forest, considered one of the largest globally. However, this year has been challenging for the city’s lush canopy due to five consecutive heatwaves and a significant lack of rain, straining plants and wildlife.
A recent report from Royal Botanic Gardens Kew predicts that by the end of the century, 73% of London’s trees could be at risk of dying due to climate change. The report found that a considerable percentage of the city’s public trees are already deemed unsuitable for future climate conditions without emission-reducing actions.
In 2022, 400 trees at Kew Gardens died due to extreme heat and drought. One red oak tree, left standing as a symbol of climate change’s impact, was painted red. Kew Gardens highlighted these findings ahead of Climate Action Week, coinciding with Britain and Europe experiencing multiple heatwaves and a declared drought in parts of England and Wales.
The dry conditions led to crop losses for farmers, warnings of food shortages, and wildfires, prompting emergency alerts. London’s parks showcased yellow, brittle grass, and droopy tree branches due to the lack of rain, with some trees prematurely shedding leaves.
In response to the warming climate, botanists are considering planting different tree species in London. With projections suggesting London’s climate in 2050 may resemble Barcelona’s current climate, efforts are underway to identify tree species better suited to the changing conditions.
Amid concerns for London’s iconic trees, experts like Paul Wood, who has extensively written about the city’s tree canopy, fear for the future of ancient woodlands and historic trees. Wood emphasized the irreplaceable value of these trees, which have witnessed centuries of London’s history and support crucial biodiversity.
London’s urban tree canopy faces unprecedented challenges as climate change intensifies, raising concerns about the survival of the city’s iconic trees and green spaces.