Shade offered by trees is prized during extreme heat
In the past week, a group of bowlers had a fortunate escape when a tree collapsed onto a bowling green. A few days later, during a session in the House of Commons, an MP disclosed that a mature tree had fallen on her residence. Could these incidents be connected to the recent record-breaking temperatures?
Trees can experience significant stress during heatwaves, with effects manifesting in various ways. This stress impacts processes at the molecular level and extends to the biology of the entire tree.
Research indicates that even a three-day heatwave can inflict considerable damage on tree populations.
Dr Anna Gardner, a research fellow at the University of Birmingham's Institute of Forest Research, focuses on the influence of climate change on trees.
"During prolonged hot, dry weather, trees lose more water through their leaves than they can replace from the soil, placing them under water stress,"
"This can alter the physical properties of their tissues and reduce the margin of safety against mechanical failure, making large branches more likely to fail under their own weight, even in calm conditions."
She further explained that not all trees or branches respond identically, as factors such as species, age, and overall health affect their resilience.
Last Sunday, bowlers narrowly avoided injury when branches fell from a tree onto a green in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire.
Subsequently, during Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday, MP and chair of the Environment All-Party Parliamentary Group Fleur Anderson stated that a mature tree fell on her house that morning, attributing the event to extreme heat.
The UK's summers are becoming increasingly hotter, raising questions about preparedness.
Why this heatwave feels worse than the last one
June's temperature record is expected to be broken again today, with forecasts reaching 38°C.
Bowlers participating in matches were fortunate to avoid injury when branches fell in Leamington Spa last Sunday.
In certain regions, some councils have advised the public to avoid gathering in the shade beneath trees due to an elevated risk of falling branches, a phenomenon known as sudden branch drop syndrome, which may be linked to extreme heat.
Scientists are currently investigating how various tree species respond to heatwaves and the differences in resilience between urban trees and those in forests or woodlands.
Understanding these responses aids in better management of urban trees, Dr Gardner noted, enabling them to continue providing benefits such as "cooling our towns and cities, improving air quality and supporting biodiversity."
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- Man's narrow escape as tree falls on bowling green
- Heatwaves leave London's trees under extreme stress
