In the midst of a summer heatwave and severe drought, Divya Hariramani was tending to a plum tree in south London when she noticed a troubling issue with one of its branches. The branch was starting to split from the tree, a sign of stress as explained by workers at Mitcham Community Orchard.
Hariramani, known for her social media account “Fruity Walks,” where she documents fruit trees and their caretakers in London, attributed the issue to the heat causing water deficiencies in the trees. While London is renowned for its historic stone architecture, it also boasts a vast urban forest, considered one of the largest globally.
This year has been challenging for the city’s lush canopy due to consecutive heatwaves and minimal rainfall, putting strain on plants and wildlife. A recent report by the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew predicts that by the end of the century, 73% of London’s trees could be at risk of perishing due to climate change.
The Kew Gardens tree collections team collaborated with the Greater London Authority to evaluate over a million public trees, revealing that a significant portion already have low suitability to future climate conditions. Additionally, around 11% are deemed vulnerable.
In light of these findings, discussions are underway on potentially planting different tree species better suited to London’s projected warmer climate. Joe Richomme, a botanical horticulturist at Kew Gardens, mentioned the possibility of London resembling Barcelona’s climate by 2050.
Paul Wood, a renowned author on London’s trees, expressed concerns about the impact of extreme heat and drought on the city’s ancient woodlands and leafy neighborhoods. With trees dating back centuries, he emphasized their historical and ecological significance, referring to them as irreplaceable treasures.
The pressing need to address climate change’s effects on London’s urban tree canopy has become increasingly urgent, with experts and enthusiasts alike advocating for proactive measures to safeguard the city’s green heritage.
