The best trees for climate resilience, and why we’ve stopped recommending silver birch
Photograph coming soon
Suggested lead photograph: the best trees for climate resilience, and why we’ve stopped recommending silver birch
Silver birch (Betula pendula) suffered badly in the heat of summer 2026, particularly in the south. If you would like a birch, choose Betula nigra or Betula pubescens instead, and for resilient garden trees look at Zelkova serrata, Parrotia persica, Heptacodium miconioides and Acer campestre.
What’s happening to silver birch?
Silver birch is a tree of cool, moist northern climates. It is shallow-rooted and thirsty, so long spells of heat and drought hit it hard. In the summer of 2026 we saw many birches across the south scorch, drop their leaves early and decline, and once a mature birch is badly stressed, it rarely recovers its full health.
That is why, for most gardens, and in the south and east especially, we have stopped recommending it. It is still a lovely native tree in the right place, but we would rather you planted something that will thrive for decades to come.
Photograph coming soon
Suggested photograph: if you love birch
If you love birch
There are two birches we recommend with confidence. Betula nigra, the river birch, has spectacular shaggy, cinnamon bark and is far more tolerant of heat and of heavy or damp soils. Discover Betula nigra. Betula pubescens, the downy birch, is a native birch that copes better with wetter ground.
Our favourite climate-resilient trees
Beyond birch, four trees stand out for their resilience. Zelkova serrata is elegant and vase-shaped, and tough in heat and urban conditions. Discover Zelkova. Parrotia persica brings wonderful autumn colour and bark, and is robust once established. Discover Parrotia. Heptacodium miconioides offers late scented flowers and peeling bark on a tough, adaptable tree. Discover Heptacodium. Finally, Acer campestre, our native field maple, is reliable on chalk, clay and exposed sites. Discover field maple.
Photograph coming soon
Suggested photograph: planting for a changing climate
Planting for a changing climate
Resilient trees still need a good start. Plant in autumn, prepare the soil well, mulch generously and water deeply through the first two summers, which gives the roots the best chance to establish before they are tested. Read why autumn is the best time to plant.
Talk to us about your site
Not sure what will thrive in your garden? Our team can recommend resilient trees for your soil, aspect and space.