75% of industry experts believe climate change will have a major impact on future tree selection

A survey conducted by Hillier Trees has found that 75% of industry experts believe climate change will have a major impact on tree selection in the coming years.

The survey, which polled landscape contractors, landscape architects, local authorities, and other industry experts, also found that 45% of respondents believe tree nurseries should gradually offer more climate-resilient species.

The results highlight the growing need for smarter tree choices in the face of climate change. Extreme weather, shifting seasons, and the rise of new pests and diseases are all influencing decisions across the landscaping and horticulture industries.

“Climate change is no longer a distant concern. It’s a reality that’s already reshaping the way we approach tree selection and planting,” said Adam Dunnett, amenity director at Hillier Trees. “The trees we plant today need to be able to thrive in the climate of tomorrow. We need to start thinking about which trees are best suited for the climates of the future."

“At Hillier Trees, we wanted to understand exactly how these challenges are affecting professionals in the field. So, we surveyed a vast array of people across the industry to gain their insights on climate-resilient tree selection. Their responses highlight the growing need for smarter tree choices, the hurdles they face, and the support they need to make informed, sustainable decisions. The survey results are a clear indication that the tree industry needs to prepare for major changes ahead."

Despite the growing need for climate-adapted trees, Hillier found that professionals face several barriers to adopting these species in their work. The difficulty of sourcing the right trees was found to be the most significant barrier, followed closely by concerns about lack of information. Budget constraints and customer preferences were found to still play a large role in decision-making, even in the face of growing climate challenges.

The survey found that over 65% of respondents have already adjusted their practices due to droughts, extreme weather, and pests. However the survey suggests there is no clear agreement between industry professionals as to what is a good climate resilient tree species, and more research is required to make these science led decisions rather than gut feel.

The carbon footprint of tree nurseries wasn’t one of the top priorities but 33% said they do factor it into their purchasing. However, UK-grown trees are increasingly preferred, with many professionals highlighting their lower transportation impact and better adaptation to local conditions.

The survey revealed a knowledge gap in the industry when it comes to selecting trees for future climates. Only 4% of respondents said that they were very confident in choosing climate-resilient species, while 27% considered it a high priority but admitted to not always being sure which trees to pick. However, there is an eagerness to learn, and 65% of respondents said they’d find practical guides on climate-resilient trees highly beneficial.

Across the board, the call for better resources was clear. When asked what kind of support would help professionals make more informed tree selection decisions in response to climate challenges, the answers were telling:

• 73% of respondents would appreciate regular updates on climate-resilient species

• 66% want best practices for sustainable tree sourcing

• 58% would welcome data on long-term climate projections for tree growth.

"We need to make sure that industry professionals have the resources they need to make informed decisions about tree selection. This includes access to information about climate-resilient species, as well as guidance on best practices for sustainable tree sourcing," continued Adam.

“The results from our survey reflect a strong recognition that the tree industry needs to evolve in response to climate change. There’s a growing awareness that the trees we plant today need to be chosen with the future in mind. As professionals continue to adapt to the challenges of climate change, it’s clear that support in the form of expert guidance, better access to information, and more climate-resilient species will be critical.”

Hillier Trees is committed to helping the industry adapt to the challenges of climate change. The company has partnered with experts to take a research-led approach to climate-resilient tree selection and has also commissioned the Urban Plant Lab to carry out a detailed review, and the findings will be shared in Autumn 2025.

For more information visit www.trees.hillier.co.uk.

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Editors notes

“To inspire the creation of green living spaces for now and the future” Hillier is one of the leading names in the horticultural industry, with 160 years of growing and retail experience.

Founded in 1864 by Edwin Hillier, the company remains a family-run nursery with the fifth generation now actively involved in the family business as it continues to grow.

Not only is Hillier the largest producer of semi-mature trees in Europe and grower of over one million plants at its Hampshire nursery, but it also employs over 750 staff across its nursery, amenity trees and 22 garden centre divisions and is a flourishing multi-million pound company. It proudly holds the world record for the most consecutive gold medals awards at the world-famous RHS Chelsea Flower Show, with 74 wins.

As one of the leading growers in the UK, Hillier is involved in many peat-free initiatives, including the RHS Peat-Free Fellowship, the largest peat-free collaborative research project globally. The company was amongst the first nurseries to become 100% peat-free across both its production nursery and retail garden centres, and all Hillier plants are grown in peat-free compost.

Recent successes for the company include the launch of its online shop, the substantial redevelopment of Hillier Garden Centre Newbury and the acquisition of the Rosebourne Garden Centre Group in November 2022, as well as sponsorship of BBC Gardeners’ World Live and BBC Gardeners’ World Spring Fair, and the incredibly popular free ‘Hillier Gardening Club’ loyalty program which now has over half a million members.

Renowned for being a leading breeder of plants in the UK at its 100% peat-free nursery in Hampshire, each year Hillier introduces amazing new varieties. Many of these have become essentials in British gardens and the company continues with the tradition of innovation and the introduction of new garden plants in the present day.