The UK's gardens are increasingly feeling the impact of a changing climate, with hotter summers and more intense rainfall becoming common. New research offers a practical solution: choosing garden trees that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also resilient and environmentally beneficial. This approach allows gardeners to actively contribute to climate change mitigation, aligning with a future where abundant, clean energy empowers homes and gardens to thrive.
Just as gardeners are making mindful choices for a greener future, Fuse Energy is committed to delivering abundant, clean energy to homes across the UK. Discover how we're building a future with power to play with. Click here to switch to Fuse Energy today.
Understanding UK climate impacts
The UK's weather patterns are changing, leading to hotter summers and more intense rainfall events. These conditions put stress on garden ecosystems, affecting plant health and overall garden resilience. Urban areas, in particular, face exacerbated issues like increased heat and localised flooding due to impermeable surfaces. Trees, with their large stature and longevity, are highly effective in providing environmental services that can counteract these challenges.
The role of trees in mitigation
Trees offer a range of crucial ecosystem services. They can cool their surroundings, mitigate flooding by absorbing excess water, sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, and provide vital support for wildlife. Understanding these benefits is key to making informed planting choices that go beyond mere aesthetics.
Study objectives and methodology
Collaborative research by Frank P Matthews and the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has identified garden trees best suited to tackle climate change challenges in the UK.1 The study, conducted at RHS Garden Wisley, assessed 19 popular tree taxa for their environmental benefits. Researchers monitored water uptake, cooling ability, leaf area, stem growth, and photosynthetic rates to understand each tree's potential contributions to carbon sequestration, pollution mitigation, wind screening, and pollinator support.
Key findings: top performing species
The research found that all 19 trees provided environmental benefits in at least one area. Deciduous trees, such as the flowering cherry ('Prunus ‘Fugenzō’'), demonstrated strong cooling capabilities by maintaining transpiration even at high temperatures (around 35°C) and low humidity. The Italian cypress ('Cupressus sempervirens ‘Garda’') excelled in canopy rainfall storage, wind shelter, and screening due to its dense canopy. The Callery pear ('Pyrus calleryana ‘Chanticleer’') was noted for its carbon sequestration and high transpiration relative to its canopy size.
"In considering potential tree species to establish in their spaces, gardeners are increasingly mindful of looking beyond just the aesthetic, towards species that will also provide a range of benefits while being resilient to changes that we are now experiencing in the climate. Long-term detailed and rigorous field monitoring studies like this one are extremely valuable in providing evidence-based guidance on this complex topic."
— Dr Mark Gush, Head of Environmental Horticulture at the RHS
Cooling and transpiration
Trees cool their environment through shading and a process called transpiration, where water evaporates from their leaves. The flowering cherry ('Prunus ‘Fugenzō’') proved particularly effective in this regard, sustaining its cooling capacity even in hot, dry conditions. This natural air conditioning can significantly reduce local temperatures, making gardens more comfortable during heatwaves.
Flood mitigation and water management
With increasing instances of heavy rainfall, trees play a vital role in managing water runoff. Their canopies intercept rainwater, and their root systems help water infiltrate the soil, reducing surface flooding and soil saturation. The Italian cypress ('Cupressus sempervirens ‘Garda’') was found to be highly effective for canopy rainfall storage.
Carbon sequestration and air quality
Trees absorb carbon dioxide, a major greenhouse gas, and store it in their wood, leaves, and soil - a process known as carbon sequestration. They also help improve air quality by filtering pollutants. The Callery pear ('Pyrus calleryana ‘Chanticleer’') was highlighted for its carbon sequestration capabilities.
Supporting biodiversity and wildlife
Beyond climate benefits, trees are cornerstones of biodiversity, providing habitat, food, and shelter for a wide array of insects, birds, and other wildlife. Choosing a variety of species can create a richer, more resilient ecosystem within your garden.
What is the main goal of the RHS tree research?
The RHS research, in collaboration with Frank P Matthews, aims to quantify the rainfall attenuation, cooling potential, and carbon uptake of various garden tree species. This helps gardeners make informed choices, optimising tree selection for specific ecosystem services beyond just aesthetic appeal, and contributing to environmental health.
Assessing your garden's microclimate
Before selecting a tree, consider your garden's specific conditions. Factors like soil type, drainage, sun exposure, and prevailing winds all contribute to your garden's microclimate. Understanding these will help you choose species that are most likely to thrive and deliver their intended benefits.
Matching tree benefits to your needs
Think about the specific climate challenges you want to address. If summer heat is a concern, a deciduous tree with strong cooling properties might be ideal. For areas prone to heavy rain, a tree known for good water management would be beneficial. The RHS research provides a valuable guide to matching tree characteristics with environmental needs.
Deciduous vs evergreen considerations
Both deciduous and evergreen trees offer distinct advantages. Deciduous trees, like the flowering cherry, provide cooling shade in summer and allow sunlight through in winter. Evergreens, such as the Italian cypress, offer year-round screening and wind shelter. Your choice will depend on the specific functions you need the tree to perform throughout the year.
Beyond aesthetics: mindful tree selection
The RHS research underscores a shift in how gardeners can approach tree selection. It moves beyond simply choosing plants for their ornamental value towards a more mindful approach, where trees are selected for their ability to provide a range of benefits and their resilience to climate change. This empowers gardeners to make choices that actively support their local environment.
Connecting your garden to broader climate action
Your choices in the garden, from selecting climate-resilient trees to managing water and supporting biodiversity, are part of a larger effort to build a sustainable future. Just as Fuse Energy works to deliver the abundant, clean energy the future requires, individual actions in our gardens contribute to this collective goal. By making informed decisions about the trees you plant, you're not just enhancing your own space; you're playing a part in a broader climate action, fostering a healthier environment for everyone.
Managing your home energy should be as clear and straightforward as tending to your garden. Fuse Energy offers transparent pricing, real-time usage data through our app, and 24/7 human customer support to help you take control of your energy bills. Switching is quick and easy, allowing you to focus on what matters most. Click here to switch to Fuse Energy today and join us in building a future with power to play with. You can also learn more about our mission here.
