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UK Tree Nursery Shifts Species as Summers Grow Hotter and Drier
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Adaptation by Frank P Matthews Nursery
Frank P Matthews, a family-run operation based in Tenbury Wells, Worcestershire, produces more than one million trees annually for garden centres across the United Kingdom. After a recent growing season that the company described as challenging, the nursery began phasing out species that struggled under hotter, drier conditions and introduced new, drought-tolerant varieties. Managing director Stephanie James explained that growers now have little choice but to adjust to a changing climate, prompting the business to modify its irrigation methods and reduce overall water use.
Climate Pressures on UK Horticulture
Across the UK, summer weather has become increasingly warm and dry, altering the environment in which tree growers operate. These shifts create stress for traditional species that were previously well-suited to the region’s milder climate, compelling nurseries to reconsider planting selections and water management practices.
Operational Changes and Scale
In response to the climatic trend, Frank P Matthews implemented several concrete measures:
- Species turnover: The nursery discontinued several underperforming varieties and added species known for resilience to heat and limited moisture.
- Water-use reduction: Irrigation schedules were adjusted to conserve water while still meeting tree-growth requirements.
- Irrigation adaptation: New techniques were adopted to deliver water more efficiently, aligning with the drought-tolerant focus.
These steps are being applied to the nursery’s output of over one million trees each year, affecting the supply chain for garden centres nationwide.
Implications for the Nursery Industry
The nursery’s strategy illustrates a broader industry move toward climate-responsive cultivation. By prioritizing drought-tolerant species and more efficient water use, growers aim to maintain productivity despite increasingly adverse summer conditions. If similar adaptations are adopted widely, the sector may sustain its contribution to the UK’s green spaces and landscaping market while mitigating the risk of crop loss due to climate stress.
