England’s ancient oak trees dying in extreme hot and dry weather (www.theguardian.com)

submitted 2 days ago by GreyShuck@feddit.uk to c/nature@feddit.uk

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England’s ancient oak trees are dying in the summer’s extreme heat and dry weather, according to the Woodland Trust, with trees and ecosystems unable to adapt fast enough to the changing climate.

The heatwaves across much of Europe this summer have had a notable impact on crop growth and plant health. To cope with the extreme conditions, many trees are undergoing “early autumn”, wilting and losing their leaves early.

John Parker, the chief executive of the Arboricultural Association, said: “The signs of heat stress and dry weather is visible.”

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[-] oeuf@slrpnk.net 2 points 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago)

This 'early autumn' happening everywhere in my area. Elder are basically done, most hazel and hawthorn are halfway there and the big mature trees are on their way now too.

I've also heard big trees come crashing down nearby pretty frequently the last two summers in a way I never had before. I don't think it's just ash trees with dieback.

[-] FatVegan@leminal.space 1 points 1 day ago

I talked to a farmer who had a lot of fruit trees. I said something like: at least your trees look healthy, because the reast was looking pretty grim. He said: yes, for now, but it takes 2 years or so until you see the damage done to the trees. This stuck so hard with me and i started to see trees dying two to four years after that drought. Will be intereating to see what it look like in a few years. And by intereating i mean horrifying

this post was submitted on 19 Aug 2026

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