Why we should protect London’s old trees

London is famous for its beautiful buildings and bustling streets. However, the trees throughout London add so much. Whether it be the ancient oaks in Richmond Park or the plane trees that line our residential streets, they make London a greener and nicer place to live.

Many of these trees have been standing for many generations and protecting these established trees can offer a number of benefits.

London’s Identity

Walking around areas like Hampstead Heath, Greenwich Park or residential areas you’ll notice how much trees impact the area.

The large canopies of trees can make the buildings look softer. The shade from the canopy can make walking on the footpaths more enjoyable. Trees can help make the streets feel more welcoming.

Some trees have local historical significance. An example would be One Tree Hill Nature Reserve in Honor Oak that we have written about here.

These established trees help give different areas of London their identity.

Improved Living Conditions

During the warmer summer months, you’ll notice the difference between a tree lined street and one without shade.

Mature trees can provide shade from the sun and can help to keep the area cooler. This can make walking, cycling and being outside more enjoyable.

Often, trees can help reduce the feeling of being in a busy area. If there are mature trees along the street then it can feel more welcoming.

If you don’t have a private garden then trees can be very valuable.

Environmental Benefits

As trees grow, they take in carbon dioxide and store the carbon within their trunks and roots.

They can also trap some of the particulate matter in the air with their leaves. The canopy can also help trap rainwater.

This can help reduce some of the environmental issues in built up areas.

Generally mature trees will have larger canopies and more established biomass. Depending on what type of tree it is, what condition it is in and where it is located will depend on how beneficial it is.

Having healthy trees that have been established is an important part of London’s urban environment.

Wildlife Housing

London’s trees are home to a surprising amount of wildlife.

Birds can nest in the branches, insects can feed off the leaves, flowers and rotting wood. Older trees may grow hollows and cracks which can be a home to bats and other species.

Trees can help connect green spaces together to allow wildlife to move between gardens, parks and woodland areas.

Even having one mature tree in your garden can help the surrounding area.

Issues faced by London’s trees

Trees in urban areas can face issues.

Their roots often don’t have much space due to pavements, roads, buildings and underground services.

The roots can often be damaged during construction and the soil can become compacted making it difficult for water and air to get to the roots.

During dry summers and long periods without rain, the established trees can be put under extra stress.

Storm damage, pests and disease can be a concern. Especially if the tree is under stress.

Sometimes changes to the ground can cause issues with the tree years later.

Why we can’t rely on new trees

Although it’s very important to plant new trees in London, saplings won’t provide all of the benefits that an established tree would.

An established tree can have a wide canopy, large root system and homes for wildlife that have developed over many decades.

If you were to plant a small tree instead you would lose a lot of the benefits.

Protecting established healthy trees should still be a priority.

Pruning

Pruning can help with damaged branches. However, too much pruning can cause stress to an established tree.

Trees shouldn’t be heavily pruned simply because they have grown large.

Observing regularly, keeping the area around the roots safe and consulting professionals can often help more.

Professional Tree Care

Sometimes trees can be in need of professional care if they’re close to properties, roads and public walkways.

Property owners can get help from professional arborists such as Red Oak Tree Care. They can help with assessing, pruning and maintaining the trees whilst taking into account their health.

Before any work is carried out you should check if there are a Tree Preservation Order or any restrictions in a conservation area.

A good assessment can help determine if you need to prune or if observing would be sufficient.

How Londoners Can Help

You can help protect local trees by doing a few things.

Try not to damage the exposed roots. Don’t put heavy items near the bottom of the trees in your garden. If you have concerns with public trees then contact the relevant Council or land manager.

Get involved in community tree planting and conservation projects.

If development is happening ask how they will protect existing trees.

London’s mature trees have been growing for many decades (sometimes centuries). Taking care of them now will help provide shade, wildlife homes and a green environment for future generations.