Research

Trees in a Changing Climate

Key implications
Coping with the effects: advice for gardeners
Tips for tree planting and establishment
Frequently asked questions
Conference

Coping with the effects of climate change: advice for gardeners

• Try to choose the right tree for the right site. Ensure that it finds your soil type and other garden conditions favourable and it will be more able to withstand unpredictable weather. Many trees are suitable for all soils. Visit www.rhs.org.uk/rhsplantselector for further information.

• Buy trees when they’re small, rather than fully grown, as they will root more quickly and be less vulnerable in inclement weather.

• Choose small trees as they will require less water.

• Planting trees and shrubs in winter used to be the ideal time, but if the ground is wet and boggy, and high winds are more likely, it may be better to plant in spring.

• If you’re buying more than one tree, select different species so that you have diversity.

• Mix in organic matter into a broad area around the tree prior to planting. The soil will then hold much more water.

• Add a mulch round your tree and install a drip irrigation system or set a porous pipe into the soil for watering.

• Manage and conserve rainwater. Water butts take up a lot of space, but just a few weeks' water supply will get you through a two week hosepipe ban. In the longer term, consider copying the Victorians and having an underground cistern to collect and store water. Modern glass fibre ones are highly reliable.

• If you already have beech trees, remove the grass surrounding the tree and replace with gravel, bark or keep the soil bare or, even better, mulched.

• Beware of planting eucalyptus. They may be drought tolerant, but that’s because they will use a lot of water from the rest of your garden, which may be to the detriment of your other plants. Eucalyptus pauciflora subsp niphophila grows very tall and is unsuitable for smaller gardens, however it is easily pruned to keep it within bounds.