{
  "id": 3248044,
  "title": "Trees ‘giving up’: Climate change hammers historic English gardens",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/25/trees-giving-up-climate-change-hammers-historic-english-gardens-3248044",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-08-25T06:49:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Japan Times",
    "slug": "japan-times",
    "url": "https://www.japantimes.co.jp/environment/2026/08/25/climate-change/trees-climate-change-english-gardens/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "At Hampton Court Palace in England, head gardener Graham Dillamore expressed concern that climate change is taking a toll on the historic gardens, with some trees \"giving up\" and certain plants struggling to survive the harsh conditions. The spectacular formal gardens, laid out in the 17th century, are iconic tourist attractions, but the ancient trees and mature plantings are being damaged by record heatwaves and drought. Dillamore noted that some trees have already died, describing it as a \"tragic\" loss for a historic garden. Rosie Fyles, head of gardens at Chiswick House, echoed the concern, stating that certain trees, such as oaks, sycamores, birch, and limes, are particularly vulnerable. Gardeners acknowledged that watering mature trees is impractical, leading to a shift in focus towards sustainable plantings for the future climate. Experts predict that by 2090, 50% of trees in historic gardens could be at risk of death, prompting gardeners to consider new planting strategies and even relocating some plant collections. Despite these challenges, historic gardens are seen as vital to preserving the unique character and history of England's landscapes.",
  "summary": "Mature trees that take decades to establish are drooping, and some have leaves turning brown in August in a stress reaction to excessive heat.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 4,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Conversation AU",
        "title": "Climate change may halve omega-3 fatty acids in fish and the organisms they eat",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/24/climate-change-may-halve-omega-3-fatty-acids-in-fish-and-the",
        "published": "2026-08-24T20:14:12.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "New Straits Times",
        "title": "Trees 'giving up': Climate change hammers historic English gardens",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/25/trees-giving-up-climate-change-hammers-historic-english-gardens",
        "published": "2026-08-25T06:15:24.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Phys.org",
        "title": "Trees 'giving up': Climate change hammers historic English gardens",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/25/trees-giving-up-climate-change-hammers-historic-english-gardens-3227823",
        "published": "2026-08-25T08:31:04.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}