How climate change is reshaping Britain's trees

One of the UK's biggest tree nurseries says it is already changing the species it grows as hotter, drier summers reshape conditions for growers.

Frank P Matthews, based in Tenbury Wells, Worcestershire, produces more than a million trees every year, supplying garden centres across the country.

After what it describes as a challenging growing season, the family-run business has introduced new drought-tolerant species, reduced water use and adapted the way it irrigates its trees.

Managing director Stephanie James said growers had little choice but to adapt to a changing climate.

"We've phased out some species that aren't doing so well and introduced others that thrive in hotter conditions," she said.

Among the varieties now being grown are cercis, lagerstroemia and koelreuteria, which are better suited to warmer weather.

The nursery captures rainwater and stores it in large lagoons, providing a vital supply during dry spells.

"We wouldn't be able to grow trees like this if we didn't have them," James said.

The business has also begun using a compost additive that reduces water consumption by about 30%.

"It means the water doesn't run through the pots quickly. It spreads horizontally and takes its time," she said.

Container-grown trees are watered using drip irrigation systems that deliver small amounts of water regularly to keep compost moist while minimising waste.

Elsewhere on the site, bare-root trees are grown in fields and irrigated using water extracted under licence from a nearby river. When water levels fall below a certain point, irrigation stops and the nursery relies on the resilience of the trees themselves.

As well as adapting to changing conditions, the nursery says diversity will be increasingly important as the UK's treescape evolves.

"If you look around the country, a lot of the ash are dying," James said.

"We need to keep replanting new and diverse species.

"The key to mitigating climate change from a tree point of view is planting a wide range."

The nursery, which grows around 2,000 different species, is encouraging people to plant trees as part of National Tree Week in November.

Despite this summer's dry conditions, James said autumn remains the best time to plant because roots have time to establish before the following growing season.

Her advice for gardeners is simple: use plenty of bark mulch.

"Mulching is very key to reducing water loss and helping to protect that root system," she said.

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