Japanese maples under threat from climate change

Japanese maples, which provide one of the most spectacular autumn colour displays, could be under threat from climate change, conservationists have warned.

Published: 7:00AM BST 02 Oct 2009
Assessment of almost half of the 16,000 specimens of different trees at the Westonbirt Arboretum, Gloucestershire, by the Forestry Commission has found almost a quarter do not seem to be tolerant of drought.
The site's Japanese maples - the largest collection of the tree in Britain - are particularly vulnerable to the hotter drier summers and more frequent and severe droughts expected with a changing climate, the commission's research agency Forest Research found.
The maples are at risk because of their shallow roots and a preference to be in soils which retains water.
The problem faced by the 350 types of Japanese maple at the arboretum - and those popular in gardens and parks - is not of immediate concern, but could become an issue in the coming decades, experts said.
Because trees live for many years, decisions taken now about what to grow and where must take into account changes which will take place in the coming decades and centuries.
And action must be taken now to ensure the survival of trees at Westonbirt, which is managed by the Forestry Commission.
This October, a multi-million pound project is being launched to protect the existing collection of trees in the face of climate change, conserve the Grade I listed landscape and create new facilities to give people the chance to learn more about trees.
Simon Toomer, Westonbirt Arboretum's new director, said: ''Thousands of people flock to Westonbirt each autumn to stand and wonder at the spectacular seasonal colours.
''Westonbirt is a national treasure, and we're doing everything we can to make sure it remains so for generations to come.''
And he said: ''It's vital that we act now. Working closely with scientists at Forest Research, our expert team here at Westonbirt will safeguard these important trees, and pass on the lessons learned to help climate-proof Britain's trees and woodlands.''
Steps will be taken to help protect the trees at the site, including moving vulnerable specimens to areas with deeper and more water retentive soils and ensuring good management of soils.
Gardeners keen to protect their maples can employ simple measures such as weeding around the tree so that the grass or weeds do not take up the water and mulch them, while those in pots should also be kept well-watered.