Trees and grass in Primrose Hill, London, suffered damage from heat and drought during July 2026. Successive heatwaves and a severe drought proved catastrophic for the tree collection at Kew Gardens this summer.
At least 400 trees, potentially more, died at Kew Gardens this summer, matching the record mortality seen in 2022. The charity Trees for Cities reported that half of the young saplings it planted across London over the last year perished during this summer.
London's established trees provide a cooling effect for the city, capable of reducing temperatures by up to 5 degrees Celsius. Research published by Martin's team in November 2025 indicates that 73 per cent of London's public trees are projected to die or struggle to thrive under the climate conditions forecast for the city in 2090, assuming high greenhouse gas emissions continue.
Only 0.38 per cent of London's existing trees are deemed highly suitable for the climate conditions predicted for 2090. The south-east region is transitioning from a moist, temperate climate towards a semi-arid one.
The team at Kew is currently collecting seeds from lime, hornbeam, and beech growing on the Eurasian steppe to evaluate their suitability for the future British climate. To adapt, the charity Trees for Cities is altering the species mix it plants, incorporating more drought-resistant trees such as ginkgo or the European nettle tree.
Local authorities require increased funding and support to maintain young saplings.
