Trees can suffer significant damage during prolonged periods of extreme heat and drought, leading to structural failure and potentially causing them to fall, according to scientific research. Scientists are studying how trees respond to hotter, drier conditions exacerbated by climate change.
Dr. Anna Gardner, a research fellow at the University of Birmingham's Institute of Forest Research, explained that during hot, dry weather, trees lose more water through their leaves than they can absorb from the soil. This water stress can alter the physical properties of the tree's tissues. "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," Gardner stated. She noted that the impact varies by tree species, age, and overall health.
Recent incidents have highlighted the potential dangers. In one instance, a group of bowlers narrowly escaped injury when a tree fell onto their green. In another, a Member of Parliament reported that a mature tree had fallen onto her house, prompting discussions about the link between these events and soaring temperatures. A heatwave lasting just three days has been shown to be sufficient to cause substantial damage to tree populations.