More than half of the trees in the City of London are vulnerable to the effects of climate change, a new report has warned.
An assessment of 1,684 trees in the Square Mile found that 56.2% had low suitability for, or were vulnerable to, future climate conditions. Just 30.3% were rated moderate or high suitability, while the remaining 13.5% were not listed in the assessment, which used the Kew and Urban Plant Lab methodology.
The report, presented to the Natural Environment Board, calls for a succession planning approach to keep the urban forest healthy and resilient in the long term, including against pests, diseases and climate-related pressures. The findings are already being used to choose species for new planting and replacements, with the aim of gradually improving climate resilience without drastic changes to the landscape.
This data is being used to inform species selection for new planting and replacements, aiming to gradually improve climate resilience without drastic landscape changes.
Despite the challenges posed by climate change, the overall condition of the City's urban forest remains positive. The report indicates that 71.38% of trees are in good condition, a slight improvement from the previous year. During the 2025-26 financial year, 36 trees were planted and 18 removed, resulting in a net increase of 18 trees.
Management of the urban forest has also been strengthened, with an updated Tree Risk Management Plan, an in-house watering tracker, and new tree works and supply contracts. The establishment rate for trees planted three years ago is 94.7%, even accounting for one tree that was removed after being hit by a vehicle.
However, the report acknowledges that finding viable planting space within the City's dense urban environment remains a principal constraint. The current highway footpath tree planting programme is nearing capacity, with only six more trees to be planted this winter. The City Gardens team is exploring options to create new planting locations through public realm projects and highway changes. These include expanding paving into the carriageway and considering the relocation of services.
The findings are part of the second annual report on the state of the City's urban forest, which aims to provide an overview of tree health, condition, and management progress against established actions. The report also noted that 10.69% of the tree stock is London plane, slightly above the recommended threshold for a single species, but an improvement on the previous year.
