Climate Change and Species Behaviour: How Wildlife Is Adapting to a Changing Environment

What Is Species Behaviour?

Species behaviour refers to the way animals, plants and other organisms respond to their surroundings, interact with other species and adapt to changes within their environment. Wildlife behavioural activities include feeding, migration, breeding, communication, territory selection and hibernation, all of which demonstrate how species respond to seasonal changes and environmental pressures.

As the climate changes, temperatures are rising, weather patterns are shifting and extreme weather events are becoming more frequent. These natural changes affect the way species behave and interact with their habitats. Some species are able to adjust their behaviour to cope with changing conditions, demonstrating species adaptation to climate change. Certain birds may alter their migration patterns, while some insects may appear earlier in the year due to warmer temperatures. However, not all species can adapt as quickly to these changing conditions, particularly those that rely on specific habitats.

As climate change continues to influence wildlife patterns, recognising how and why species behaviour is changing helps ecologists assess potential impacts, plan effective surveys and support sustainable development alongside nature conservation.

Tawny Owl

How Is Climate Change Affecting Wildlife Behaviour?

Changes in temperature, rainfall patterns and the frequency of extreme weather events are influencing where species live, when they are active and how they interact with their surroundings.

Many species use environmental cues to determine the timing of key stages in their life cycles, such as breeding, migration and hibernation. As temperatures rise and seasonal patterns become less predictable, these natural timings are being disrupted. This results in changes to species behaviour. While some species are able to adapt, others struggle to respond quickly enough to these changing conditions.

Changes to Seasonal Activity

One of the most visible effects of climate change on wildlife is the shift in seasonal timings. Rising temperatures can cause some species to become active earlier in the year, while others may remain active for longer than usual.

Warmer conditions may bring an earlier spring, causing plants to flower sooner and insects to emerge earlier. This can directly affect other species. For example, birds and pollinators may not adjust their life cycles at the same rate. As insects are a primary food source for many birds and other wildlife, these changes can disrupt established feeding patterns.

Altered Migration and Movement Patterns

The changing climate not only impacts feeding and food availability but also influences how species move through the landscape. For example, some migratory birds may arrive at their breeding grounds earlier, while other species may shift into new regions where environmental conditions are more favourable.

This movement is an example of species adaptation to climate change, as wildlife responds to changing temperatures and resource availability. However, adapting migration patterns is not always straightforward. Habitat fragmentation, urban development and the loss of suitable habitats can all prevent species from relocating successfully.

Changes to Breeding and Reproductive Behaviour

Temperature and weather conditions play a significant role in determining when many species reproduce. Warmer weather may encourage earlier breeding activity; however, unpredictable weather events can create risks for young animals, particularly if food availability is limited or suitable habitats no longer align with these new timings.

For protected species, changes in breeding behaviour and activity periods can have important implications for ecological assessments and survey requirements. Understanding these patterns helps ecologists determine the most appropriate times to assess species presence and any potential impacts from development.

Increasing Pressure on Habitats

Climate change not only affects individual species but also contributes to wider changes across habitats and ecosystems. Rising temperatures, drought, flooding and changing rainfall patterns can alter the availability of food, shelter and nesting sites.

These pressures can significantly influence species distribution, causing some wildlife populations to decline in areas that are becoming less suitable, while others may successfully establish themselves in new locations. Maintaining biodiversity has become an increasing challenge due to the combined effects of climate change, habitat loss and development.

Hedgehog

Why Climate Change Matters for Ecological Surveys

As climate change continues to influence species behaviour and seasonal timings, it is also affecting the way ecological surveys are planned and undertaken. The timing, location and methods used during ecological surveys rely heavily on understanding when species are active, where they are likely to be found and how they interact with their habitats.

As warmer temperatures and milder conditions alter wildlife activity, some species may become active earlier in the year or remain active for longer periods. These changes in wildlife behaviour mean survey timing must be carefully considered to ensure assessments provide an accurate representation of species presence.

For protected species, carrying out surveys at the appropriate time is essential. An incorrectly timed survey may fail to identify important ecological features, potentially affecting decision-making during the planning process.

Ecological surveys also provide essential information about how proposed developments may affect biodiversity. As the impacts of climate change on wildlife become more apparent, accurate ecological assessments are becoming increasingly important for informed planning decisions.

Factors such as habitat availability, species movement and changing seasonal behaviours can all influence the ecological constraints associated with a site. By considering these factors early in the development process, landowners and developers can better understand potential challenges and incorporate appropriate mitigation measures.

This approach supports a more sustainable balance between development and nature conservation, helping to protect biodiversity while allowing projects to progress responsibly.

At ProHort Ltd, ecological surveys are designed to provide reliable information about the species and habitats present on a site. By combining specialist knowledge with an understanding of changing environmental conditions, ecological assessments can help guide developments that work alongside the natural environment.

As our understanding of climate change ecology continues to develop, adapting survey approaches and considering changing wildlife patterns will remain an important part of responsible ecological planning.

Dormouse

Supporting Wildlife in a Changing Climate

As the impacts of climate change continue to influence species behaviour and natural habitats, supporting wildlife requires a proactive approach. While many species demonstrate an ability to adapt to changing conditions, the speed and scale of environmental change can make it increasingly difficult for some plants and animals to survive.

Creating resilient habitats and improving ecological connectivity are important steps in helping wildlife respond to a changing climate. By protecting existing habitats, enhancing biodiversity and considering the needs of different species, we can help create landscapes that are better equipped to support nature in the future.

Creating Resilient Habitats

Improving habitat quality is a key part of building ecological resilience. A healthy habitat provides the resources that species need to adapt, including food sources, shelter, and suitable areas for breeding and movement. Habitat improvements may include planting native vegetation, restoring natural features, creating wildlife corridors and managing land in ways that support a wider range of species. For example, diverse habitats containing a variety of plant species can provide more reliable food sources for pollinators, birds and other wildlife throughout changing seasons.

Supporting Species Adaptation to Climate Change

Some species are able to adjust their behaviour, shift their distribution or make use of new habitats, while others may struggle due to their specific environmental requirements.

Supporting species adaptation to climate change involves providing wildlife with the best possible conditions to respond naturally. Protecting important habitats and reducing additional pressures, such as unnecessary disturbance or habitat destruction, can improve the chances of species adapting successfully.

This is particularly important for protected species, where maintaining suitable habitats and understanding changing behaviours are essential for effective conservation.

Badger

Why Protecting Wildlife Matters

The relationship between climate change and wildlife is complex, but supporting biodiversity remains one of the most effective ways to help ecosystems cope with environmental change.

By understanding habitat change, monitoring species behaviour and using ecological knowledge to guide decision-making, we can create spaces where both people and nature can thrive.

At ProHort Ltd, ecological assessments help identify opportunities to protect and enhance biodiversity while supporting sustainable development. Through informed planning and responsible management, we can help ensure that wildlife continues to have a place in a changing climate.

 

UK Garden Wildlife in June: How to Protect Swans, Foxes, Hedgehogs and Owls

UK garden wildlife in June can be very busy, with many species bustling to find food, raise their young, and breed, making this a sensitive and important time for biodiversity. Species such as swans and cygnets, fox cubs, hedgehogs foraging at night, and tawny owls all play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance.

For those involved in landscaping and grounds management, understanding animals active in June UK is essential for supporting healthy ecosystems. Small changes in maintenance practices, habitat protection, and planting choices can have a significant impact on local wildlife populations and long-term biodiversity.

 

Swans and Cygnets in the UK: Behaviour During the June Breeding Season

In June, mute swans are a highly visible part of the UK’s waterways, particularly across lakes, rivers, canals, and managed parkland ponds. This period is a key stage in the swans and cygnets UK breeding cycle, as young cygnets continue to grow rapidly under the close protection of both parents.

During early summer, swan families become noticeably more territorial. Adult swans will often defend nesting areas and nearby water margins aggressively, a natural behaviour that helps safeguard cygnets during their most vulnerable stage. While this can appear intimidating, it is an important part of maintaining survival rates within local populations.

Cygnets themselves are still developing in June, typically displaying soft grey plumage before gradually transitioning to the white feathers associated with adulthood. At this stage, they remain heavily dependent on parental guidance for feeding and protection, often staying close together as a family group while moving through shallow water and sheltered edges.

From an ecological perspective, swans contribute to shaping aquatic environments by grazing on submerged vegetation, which helps maintain balance within pond and wetland ecosystems. However, their presence also highlights the importance of careful wildlife-friendly gardening UK and landscape management around water bodies.

For those managing public or private green space, protecting swans during this period involves maintaining buffer zones around nesting sites and avoiding unnecessary disturbance along water edges. Ensuring that aquatic habitats remain clean, undisturbed, and naturally vegetated supports both cygnet development and wider UK wildlife in June biodiversity health.

Swan and cygnets swimming in water
Swan and cygnets

Fox Cubs in UK Gardens: June Activity and Urban Wildlife Behaviour

June is an important stage in the annual cycle of fox cubs in UK gardens, as young foxes born in spring begin to emerge more frequently from their dens and explore their surroundings. At this point, cubs are developing essential survival skills such as foraging, social interaction, and navigating local territory under the supervision of adult foxes.

In both urban and suburban environments, foxes have adapted remarkably well to human presence. They often use green corridors, garden edges, railway embankments, and unmanaged spaces as movement routes, making them a regular part of urban wildlife UK ecosystems. During early summer, increased daylight activity can make foxes more visible, particularly in the early morning or evening hours.

Foxes play an important ecological role as opportunistic scavengers and natural controllers of small mammal populations. This helps maintain balance within local ecosystems and supports healthier garden ecosystems UK, particularly where prey species such as rodents and insects are abundant.

As cubs become more independent in June, they begin to explore further from their natal dens, although they typically remain within a familiar territory range. This period is crucial for learning hunting behaviour and social hierarchy within family groups.

Supporting fox populations in managed landscapes is less about direct intervention and more about maintaining suitable habitat conditions. Retaining vegetated boundaries, allowing safe movement through connected green spaces, and avoiding unnecessary disturbance near known den sites all contribute to healthier long-term populations within the wider UK garden wildlife in June environment.

Fox cubs playing in grass
Fox cubs

Hedgehogs in Summer UK Gardens: Feeding Behaviour and Habitat Protection

During June, hedgehogs are an active and important part of UK garden wildlife in June, typically emerging after dusk to forage for insects, worms, beetles, and other invertebrates. This period of early summer provides a rich food supply, supporting both adult hedgehogs and any young that may have recently become independent.

As nocturnal animals, hedgehogs rely heavily on undisturbed ground-level habitats to move safely between feeding areas. In many urban and suburban environments, gardens act as vital stepping-stones, forming connected routes through urban wildlife UK corridors that allow them to travel between suitable foraging sites.

Hedgehogs also play a valuable ecological role within garden ecosystems UK, acting as natural pest controllers by reducing populations of slugs and other invertebrates. This makes them particularly beneficial in both domestic gardens and managed green spaces where maintaining natural balance is a priority.

However, modern landscaping practices can unintentionally reduce suitable habitat. Overly tidy gardens, the use of chemical pest control, and fragmented green spaces all contribute to declining hedgehog populations across the UK. Ensuring safe passage between areas is therefore essential for their long-term survival.

Supporting hedgehogs through wildlife-friendly gardening UK approaches involves practical measures such as creating small access gaps in fencing, retaining log piles and leaf litter, and avoiding harmful pesticides. Providing shallow water sources and maintaining areas of dense, undisturbed vegetation can also significantly improve habitat quality.

By protecting hedgehogs during this active summer period, landscapers and land managers contribute directly to the wider health of British wildlife in June, helping to maintain balanced and resilient ecosystems across both urban and rural environments.

Hedgehog walking through grass
Hedgehog

Tawny Owls in the UK: Nocturnal Wildlife Activity in June

In June, tawny owls remain an important part of UK garden wildlife in June, particularly during the hours of dusk and night when their activity is at its peak. This period often coincides with the later stages of the breeding cycle, where fledged young are becoming more independent but still rely on adult birds for feeding and protection.

Tawny owls are highly effective nocturnal predators, playing a key role in regulating populations of small mammals such as mice, voles, and occasionally larger insects. This natural form of control contributes to healthier and more balanced garden ecosystems UK, particularly in areas with mature trees and connected green corridors.

Their presence is often associated with established woodland, parkland, and rural-edge habitats, but they can also be found in quieter suburban areas where suitable nesting sites and prey availability exist. Mature trees with cavities or dense cover are especially important, as they provide both shelter and breeding locations.

Light pollution and habitat loss remain two of the most significant pressures affecting tawny owl populations in managed environments. Excessive artificial lighting can disrupt hunting behaviour, while the removal of older trees reduces available nesting opportunities across both urban and rural landscapes.

Supporting tawny owls through wildlife-friendly gardening UK and sensitive landscape management involves retaining mature trees wherever possible, reducing unnecessary night-time lighting, and maintaining rough grassland or undisturbed margins that support prey species. These measures help sustain a healthy balance within wider UK wildlife in June ecosystems, particularly during this critical post-breeding period.

Tawny owl sitting in tree
Tawny owl

How to Protect UK Garden Wildlife in June

June is a particularly important month for UK garden wildlife in June, as many species are actively breeding, feeding, and raising young. During this time, even small changes in landscape management and gardening practices can have a significant impact on local biodiversity and the long-term health of surrounding ecosystems.

One of the most effective ways to support British wildlife in June is by reducing disturbance in key habitats such as hedgerows, water margins, and undisturbed grass areas. These spaces often provide essential shelter and feeding opportunities for species such as hedgehogs, foxes, swans, and nocturnal wildlife like owls.

Maintaining connected green spaces is also crucial within urban wildlife UK environments. Wildlife corridors allow animals to move safely between feeding and nesting areas, reducing the risks associated with fragmented habitats and heavily developed landscapes.

In addition, adopting a more considered approach to maintenance can greatly benefit garden ecosystems UK. Avoiding chemical pesticides, allowing sections of vegetation to grow more naturally, and retaining features such as log piles, leaf litter, and mature trees all help to create more resilient and balanced habitats.

For those working in landscaping and grounds management, incorporating wildlife-friendly gardening UK principles into regular maintenance schedules can make a meaningful difference. Simple actions such as adjusting mowing regimes, protecting nesting areas during peak breeding season, and preserving water-edge vegetation all contribute to healthier ecosystems.

By taking a more mindful approach during this critical summer period, it is possible to support a wide range of species while still maintaining functional and well-managed outdoor spaces. In doing so, we help ensure that UK garden wildlife in June continues to thrive alongside carefully managed landscapes for years to come.

 

The Landscape Institute and Brexit.

The Landscape Institute believes that a no-deal Brexit could be disastrous for the landscape profession in UK and Europe. This would further exacerbate our current skills shortages.

 Landscape Institute and Brexit

Talent and recognition

Around 40% of employers in our sector are already suffering skills shortages. The impact on future talent is a major concern. 8% of our Landscape Institute members are citizens of EU countries, outside of the UK and the profession cannot afford to lose them.

One of our major concerns is that we may lose recognition of our professional qualification across Europe with a no-deal Brexit. This would hamper UK professionals’ ability to provide services to European markets.

Graduate retention

Restricted movement limits the number of international graduates who will be able to stay in the UK to meet skills shortages and add value to our country.

Long-term, graduate retention is also a major problem. 30% of students who joined UK-based landscape courses in 2018 were international, with 7% being from the EU. Therefore, restrictions on visas and free movement will limit the number of graduates who will be able to stay in the UK, meet skills shortages, and add value to our country.

Trade restrictions

Any restrictions on trade with Europe would make landscape practice much harder, as many of the materials landscape professionals use are sourced from the EU. For example, live plants or stone products from places like Italy.

Just like food, plants can’t afford to be held up in a lorry park in Kent, France or Belgium for days. It would take many years for British nurseries to grow similar trees, and for British quarries to be re-opened, in order to rebuild an adequate supply chain.

Any extra administrative burdens for the supply of landscape products into the UK will make them much less attractive to both public and private sector investors and developers.

Economic effects

If landscape professionals are forced out of work, the long-term effects could take decades to correct.

Less money in the economy means there will be less development, including housing. This is a current government priority and what development does happen will be cheaper, less well designed, and less green.

If landscape professionals are forced out of work by an economic downturn, the long-term effects on public health, air quality, flood risk, and climate change could take decades to correct.

To find out about how ProHort can help you, get in touch now.

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Landscape Design – The Benefits

Considering the benefits of Landscape Design?

If you’re looking for a change and thinking of having some landscaping work completed on your garden. It can often feel overwhelming when considering all of the different possibilities. Do you choose to have a new lawn or a new patio? What type of paving should you choose? What would look best in your garden, wooden sleeper walls or brick?

 

Landscape designs can be the perfect solution in this situation. Providing you with a visual representation of what your
garden would look like upon completion. It will also give you the opportunity to try out different construction materials and design styles, before the work even starts. Landscape designs can come both in three-dimensional or two-dimensional formats, depending upon what you require and what will help you to visualise the end result most effectively.

For those looking for an immersive experience, ProHort’s landscape design service allows you to take a virtual walk through your completed project, using our CAD design software. This provides you with the exciting opportunity to get a really detailed idea of what your garden will look like. As well as allowing you to make live alterations to the design.

 

#CADLandscape

Additional Benefits

As well as providing you with an idea of what your garden will look like. Landscape designs have further additional benefits. These benefits can include promoting drainage of the site which is particularly important in gardens that are generally wet or boggy. The design can also be tailored to encourage the presence of local wildlife and flora or to lower the maintenance requirements so that the end result is easy to look after. It all depends on what you want and need from your garden.

Want to find out more about the landscape design service that ProHort can offer you? Alternatively, why not get in touch and one of our designers can walk you through the process.

~ https://prohort.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/CAD-design-21-1.png Candlin


 

#LandscapeCADDesign

The Environmental Impact of Bats and Birds in your Garden

Bats and birds in your garden are very common, of any shape and size, preferring to live and nest in established trees. Here are why bats and birds are important residents

in your garden:

#TreeSurvey


Firstly, bats play a role in successful pollination of over 500 plant species – including but not limited to mango, banana, guava and other tropical fruit, as well as a variety of flowers. While these plants are not indigenous to the UK, many bats will migrate for the colder winter months, and will play a role pollinating these plants elsewhere across Europe.

Birds also play an important role in doing this – around 5% of the plants that humans use for food or medicine are pollinated by birds. Birds also carry the seeds they have ingested and disperse them through their droppings – this helps our forests and marshes thrive.

All UK based bats are insectivores – they eat only insects. Bats can help keep insects away from crops but also enjoy eating gnats and mosquitos, helping to keep these pests at bay in the summer. Many common garden birds will also eat insects and help keep these pests at bay.

Finally, both bats and birds are indicators of good ecological health. Bats and birds are both sensitive to changes in temperature, weather and other environmental factors – having bats and birds present in your garden shows that your garden is healthy and thriving.

ProHort Ltd, as part of our tree survey service, will identify whether trees or hedgerows on a property have any suitable features for nesting bats and birds. We would recommend completing a tree survey ahead of any building work. It is a criminal offence to intentionally or recklessly disturb roosting bats, destroy a habitat suitable for bat roosting, or obstruct access to a bat roost.

Contact Us:

For more information, please call us on 01782 479 479.

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Understanding Landscaping Plans & Planning Applications

What are landscaping plans?

Landscaping plans are a birds-eye view that provide you with a detailed, to scale representation of your intended development. Each plan tailored to your individual requirements, depending on the size, intention and location of the project or development.

#GardenCADDesign

ProHort Limited will provide you with a clear representation of your existing site features and spatial qualities. Therefore, enabling you to precisely illustrate your design, including any sight lines, movement and circulation, in addition to tangible hard and soft landscaping features.

Why would you need one?

When completed the 2D plan can be used as an accurate reference for construction, building works or as a supporting document for planning applications.

As well as for property development, landscape plans are also used to assist in residential landscape development. If you are considering revamping your garden, a 2 or 3D plan will assist with planting schemes, tree surveys, landscape strategies, visualisations and impact assessments. In fact, these plans will provide a precise construct of your dream garden that any landscape gardener will be able to bring to life.

#CADDesign

How do landscaping plans work?

Our dedicated team deliver pragmatic solutions that will add value to the potential development site. With 25 years plus of experience we can identify and recommend suitable solutions in order to ensure a smooth progression through the planning and development process.

For more information, speak to one of our specialist consultants today on 01782 479479.

Alternatively, you can see more horticultural services provided by ProHort Limited here.

ProHort Limited work throughout the United Kingdom, therefore wherever you are in the country we can help you! 

 

The Hidden Value of a Landscape Visual Impact Assessment

The Hidden Value of a Landscape Visual Impact Assessment

A Landscape Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) is a tool that you may not have considered while working towards your current planning application. Below are three key benefits of a Landscape Visual Impact Assessment:

#LVIA

Environmental

LVIA’s are synonymous with wind turbine and solar panel developments – they have often been used to display the placement of these developments, as a superior way of presenting the visual impact to the public. n addition an LVIA will show other environmental factors. Statistically, road developments are ‘the single most destructive element’ as they can potentially cause animals to lose access to water or nesting areas. If you were developing through a wooded or natural area, an LVIA would visually outline the possible impacts on wildlife, which may not appear on a standard traditional plan.

Social

When individuals are opposed to environmental upgrade developments, 50% object solely because of their attitudes towards the ‘perceived unity of the environment or the personal attitude towards the effects of wind turbines on landscape aesthetics.’ An LVIA uses landscape visualisation to show the exact changes that will affect the landscape near to a development. By having a visual representation, it is both easier for individuals to discuss their objections to a development, and, following on from that, for a compromise to be reached.

#LVIAMap

Economic

An LVIA has the advantage of giving you the chance to explore multiple options or consider multiple options for a development. Would, for example, your development look different with six homes instead of four? How would the spacing be affected? A detailed LVIA lets you explore these multiple options in a visually engaging way. 

LVIAs are essential to any development application, If you require any further information phone ProHort Limited  on 01782 4769 479.

 

 

 

Soil Contamination – What causes it and how to deal with it

Soil contamination occurs when the level of pollutants, including chemicals, man-made waste, radioactive materials and salts, is higher than the normally expected level. This then results in the deterioration of the natural properties of the soil, as well as the environment, comfort and health of individuals being adversely affected.

Soil contamination can be caused by a wide range of different factors and events which can all have differing effects on the soil itself. The most common events that result in soil contamination include the introduction of industrial waste into the soil, leaking underground storage tanks or contaminated water seeping into the soil and an excessive use of pesticides or herbicides on the land. Further activities that can contribute to soil contamination include mining, the introduction of asbestos as the result of construction works and the storage of fuel or lead. The presence of Japanese knotweed in an area of soil can also result in that soil being considered as contaminated.

#SoilContamination

Is Your Soil Contaminated?

If your soil becomes contaminated this can have various residual effects depending upon the environment that the soil is situated in.

In agricultural and rural environments, the fertility of the soil can be reduced resulting in the inability to grow crops and other plants. This reduction in crop yield can then have a further impact on the level of soil erosion and can alter the flora and fauna that can be found in that area. This, ultimately, can result in a change to the entire ecosystem and reduce levels of biodiversity.

Industrial environments will, again, see a decrease in the amount of vegetation found within the area and the release of gases and radioactive rays that could be detrimental to health. Public health may also be at risk in urban areas, as a result of clogged drains, the release of gases and pollution of water sources resulting from soil contamination.

Once soil on your land has been identified as contaminated this can also have detrimental implications for any construction or development plans for that land, as the legal responsibility for that contaminated land lies with the property owner. As a property owner, you will be expected to treat the contamination either before you obtain planning permission for the development, or as part of the development itself. This can result in significant additional costs and delays to development.

If you are planning to develop on your land and suspect that the soils on that land might be contaminated, you should always ensure that the soil is tested and analysed before development begins. This will allow for the correct method of treatment or removal to be actioned and will give you the peace of mind that the costs involved are an absolute necessity to ensure that the development work runs as smoothly as possible.

It is also recommended that a survey for Japanese knotweed is completed by a certified Japanese knotweed surveyor to identify any potential invasive weeds on the site and to ensure an appropriate removal plan is put in to place before development starts.

Contact Us

ProHort can provide you with soil testing and analysis to identify any contaminated soil, whether that be industrial or agricultural. Why not give us a call on 01782 479479 for more information?

 

Tree selection – why is it so important?

 

Trees are a natural asset and their benefit to the visual environment can be easily understated. We may think of a typical English countryside view with rolling fields, hedges and specimen Oak trees dotted around. Find out why tree selection is so important below:

Tree Selection

But do we ever think of the other benefits trees present to the local fauna and flora?

Trees absorb all sorts of toxins from the air, which is why when you walk around a wood the air always smells and feels that little bit fresher and cleaner. An acre of mature woodland can provide enough oxygen for 18 people and that makes trees pretty important! They also provide significant sources of food and shelter for small woodland animals, birds and insects, all of which are imperative to our ecosystem.

When we pick a tree for a site or our garden, we will want a specimen tree or at least one that will be a real feature as it grows. We should, however, consider a number of things. These include; the size, the spread and height, when and if the tree has visible flowers, the scent, the colour of the leaves in each of the seasons and whether the tree will improve the surrounding environment, perhaps by creating a food source for birds or other small animals.

There are also other types of interest that a tree can bring to its surroundings – bark can be of great interest. Corylus avellana ‘contorta’ has twisted stems and looks great but especially so in the winter when it has no leaves. Whereas, Acer davidii, also known as the “Snake bark Acer”, looks amazing with green and white serpentine stripes on its bark.

Other trees, such as the Tulip tree, Liriodendron tulipifera, is a larger tree which has tulip like flowers when it matures at around the age of 40 years. As can be seen from this tree, sometimes planting a tree is a long-term investment and perhaps even for the benefit of the next generation. This is especially true if you are planting trees that don’t become mature for in excess of 50 years such as the Oak, Beech and Sequoiadendron giganteum that can live for more than 3,000 years!

Tree Selection

 

More commonly found trees suited for planting in a normal sized back garden can include the Amelanchier x grandiflora ‘Ballerina’. This is a pretty specimen tree and well worth the space, with lovely blossom in the spring and bright red foliage as it emerges. It also has small dark purple or black fruits in the autumn, which are edible. Another bonus that this tree brings is the fabulous bright red and yellow colours that the leaves turn in the autumn. A truly great tree for a small garden.

An evergreen tree that is another great choice is the Magnolia grandiflora, a lovely tree which has fabulous white or cream flowers. This tree looks great

and gives additional privacy all year round which is especially important when your garden is overlooked by neighbours!

One final tree we couldn’t not mention is the Davidia involucrata, commonly known as the Handkerchief tree. This is a beautiful tree. Discovered in 1869 and introduced to England in 1904, it has large white bracts that are followed by large oval fruits. If you have the space, a sheltered position and fertile soil this tree will prove to a real spectacle within your garden!

If you need any advice on the choice of trees for your site or garden, and especially so if you want the perfect specimen tree, please do contact us and we will be happy to advise.

 

ProHort also provide other tree related services, including tree surveys and tree preservation order applications and appeals. Why not get in touch to find out more about how we can help you?

Tree related subsidence – What it is and why it happens

Tree related subsidence is defined as the gradual caving in or sinking of an area of land and can be caused by a range of different factors. These can include:

  • Poor ground quality or an inadequate building foundation,
  • Historical mining,
  • The erosion of soil which results in an underground opening,
  • Excessive levels of water washing soil away from the surrounding area,
  • Clay soil shrinkage and heave due to the changing weather in summer and winter,
  • Trees being located within the close proximity of the building.

Have You Got Issues With Tree Related Subsidence?

Trees roots can spread by up to three times the height of the tree which means that, whilst a lot of buildings are not affected by the growth of these roots, those built on shrinkable clay soils and located near to a tree are at significant risk of experiencing subsidence.

tree related subsidence

Clay soil is highly absorbent, allowing it to take in water and expand during wet weather. The soil then dries out in the warmer weather and shrinks, meaning that there is a constant heave and shrink cycle within areas consisting predominantly of a clay soil type. Trees can then exacerbate the shrinkage of clay soil by drawing the water out of the soil, causing the ground underneath buildings to shrink significantly and resulting in movement within the property foundations. This movement then goes on to cause cracks in both external and internal property walls.

When dealing with a tree that is causing subsidence, it is always necessary to consider the risk of soil heave. This can occur as a result of the clay soil returning to its former moisture level and expanding once the tree has been removed, causing any foundations laid over the soil to lift and potentially cause further damage.

In order to cater for this, each individual occurrence of tree subsidence should be considered based upon a variety of factors including the nature of the surrounding ground, the quality of the buildings foundations, the span and depth of the trees roots in comparison to the building and the typical variations in conditions throughout summer and winter. The potential removal of a tree that is causing subsidence should always be considered on a case by case basis and is highly recommended to be carried out by a professional arboriculturist.

Contact Us

At ProHort, our team have over 20 years of arboricultural experience and are experienced in identifying subsidence resulting from the presence of trees. Find out more about our Tree Subsidence Reports service, or why not get in touch for more information?