Climate change is no longer a distant concern. It’s a reality that’s already reshaping the way we approach tree selection and planting. Extreme weather, shifting seasons, and the rise of new pests and diseases are all influencing decisions across the landscaping and horticulture industries. The trees we plant today need to be able to thrive in the climate of tomorrow.

At Hillier Trees, we wanted to understand exactly how these challenges are affecting professionals in the field. So, we surveyed landscape contractors, landscape architects, local authorities, and other industry experts to get 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 long-term impact of climate change

When asked about the long-term impact of climate change on the tree industry, the response was clear: it’s going to be significant. A staggering 75% of professionals foresee a major impact on the industry. Only a small fraction, 2%, feel that the impact will be minimal and 6% consider it to be moderate. This reflects a growing recognition that the tree industry needs to prepare for major changes ahead.

A closer look at the tree planting taking place at Hillier Trees.

The growing demand for climate adapted species

The survey also revealed a strong consensus on the future of climate adapted species. When asked whether tree nurseries should offer more climate resilient species in the coming years, 45% of respondents said yes, but gradually, while 35% expect a significant increase in the availability of these species. This shows a clear trend toward incorporating climate resilience into future tree selection, albeit at different paces across the industry.

Barriers to climate resilient tree selection

Despite the growing need for climate adapted trees, professionals face several barriers to adopting these species in their work. The top challenges identified in the survey were:

• Availability of species: The difficulty of sourcing the right trees was the most significant barrier, followed closely by concerns about lack of information. These two issues go hand-in-hand as having access to the right knowledge is crucial when making the right tree choices.
• Cost: While cost isn’t the highest-ranking barrier, it remains a significant consideration. Budget constraints still play a large role in decision making, even in the face of growing climate challenges.
• Customer preferences: Despite the growing awareness of climate issues, some clients are still more focused on aesthetics and tradition rather than selecting species based on climate resilience.
• Uncertainty around climate predictions: There’s also some hesitance to embrace climate adapted species due to uncertainty about how climates will evolve in the coming decades.

These barriers highlight the need for better resources, clearer guidance, and more reliable species options. However, broader, systematic challenges such as policy constraints, urban planning limitations, and economic incentives that may not currently support climate resilient choices also need to be addressed.

What matters most in tree selection?

Beyond availability and budget, industry professionals are thinking long term. They want trees that are:

• Healthy and long lived – Beyond aesthetics, trees need to be healthy, long-lived, and able to provide environmental benefits.
• Suited to their environment – Drought-tolerant trees for dry areas, flood-resistant species for wetter regions.
• Resistant to pests and diseases – Species prone to issues are being avoided where possible.

Native trees are still popular, but there’s growing recognition that they may not always be the best choice in a warming climate. The focus is shifting toward species that can adapt and thrive in changing conditions. However, the trade offs between native and non-native species require further exploration, particularly regarding their long-term ecological impact.

Hillier Trees Broadmead Container Nursery Reservoir

Challenges and shifting practices

Climate change is already altering how trees are sourced and planted. Over 65% of respondents have adjusted their practices due to droughts, extreme weather, and pests. Some species like Quercus robur are harder to find due to pests such as the Oak Processionary Moth, while diseases have made Ulmus minor and Fraxinus excelsior more difficult to source.

For some professionals, these challenges have led to a change in approach, focusing more on specifying suitable trees.

Sustainability and carbon footprint: A growing priority

Interestingly, carbon footprint considerations aren’t yet a top priority in tree selection, but they’re gaining traction. While 28% of respondents don’t consider the carbon footprint of tree nurseries at all, 33% do factor it into their decisions.

UK-grown trees are increasingly preferred, with many professionals highlighting their lower transportation impact and better adaptation to local conditions. More broadly, there’s recognition that planting trees – wherever they come from – plays a crucial role in carbon sequestration and climate mitigation.

Confidence in climate resilient trees: A work in progress

The survey revealed a knowledge gap 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 weren’t always sure which trees to pick.

What could help?

• Expert advice based on climate projections: Many professionals said they’d value specialist recommendations.
• Clear, practical guides on climate resilient trees: 65% of respondents said they’d find this useful.
• More project specific information: Industry professionals want real world examples of ongoing support.

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  Hillier Trees Andlers Ash Tree Nursery

What the industry wants next

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, reflecting a strong desire for more up-to-date information.
• 66% want best practices for sustainable tree sourcing, which speaks to the growing demand for ethical and climate conscious sourcing methods.
• 58% are also seeking data on long term climate projections for tree growth, underlining the importance of understanding how species will fare in the changing environment over the long term.

Looking ahead: Adapting to a changing climate

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.

With the right resources, the industry can ensure that trees not only survive but thrive in the face of changing environmental conditions. While challenges lie ahead, there are also exciting opportunities to create landscapes that are more resilient, sustainable, and future proof.

Our survey makes one thing clear: the trees we plant today must be chosen with the future in mind. With 75% of industry professionals expecting climate change to have a significant impact, tree selection can’t be based on tradition or gut instinct. It needs to be backed by science.

At Hillier Trees, we’re committed to making that happen. That’s why we’ve partnered with experts to take a research-led approach to climate resilient tree selection. We’ve commissioned the Urban Plant Lab to carry out a detailed review, and we look forward to sharing their findings by Autumn 2025.