Shrewsbury Town Council manages more than 120,000 trees across parks, open spaces, cemeteries, highway verges, and play areas. These trees are central to the character of our town and play a vital role in reducing heat, storing carbon, and supporting wildlife.
However, our trees are increasingly facing challenges as a result of climate change. The long, hot, and dry summer of 2025 has placed particular stress on both young and mature trees. National arboricultural bodies have reported a rise in drought-related failures, and Shrewsbury has experienced similar patterns, with several incidents of limb loss in areas including Castlewalk Recreation Ground, Boiler House Pitch Recreation Ground and the grounds of Old St Chad’s. Thankfully, no injuries were reported, and our tree team acted swiftly to make each site safe.
It is important to emphasise that these incidents do not reflect poor tree health or lack of care. All affected trees had been regularly inspected and maintained in line with our adopted Tree Strategy, which sets out a robust framework for management and succession planting. Arboricultural advice confirms that “summer branch drop” is a natural stress response, increasingly linked to prolonged heat and drought.
We are committed to safeguarding Shrewsbury’s trees by:
- Diversifying tree planting to include more drought-tolerant and climate-resilient species.
- Improving soil and site conditions to give trees the best chance of long-term health.
- Increasing monitoring and inspections, particularly during extreme weather conditions.
- Carrying out watering and maintenance, especially for newly planted trees.
- Acting quickly to manage risks when limb loss or other safety concerns arise.
We also recognise the financial and operational pressures that climate-related tree management brings. Reactive works following extreme weather are increasing, and we will continue to monitor budgets closely to ensure we can respond effectively.
How residents can help
The Council greatly values the support of the community in caring for our trees. Residents can play their part by:
- Watering young or newly planted trees near their homes during hot, dry spells.
- Supporting local planting schemes and volunteering to help maintain green spaces.
- Looking out for visible signs of stress and reporting concerns to the Council.
By working together, we can help Shrewsbury’s trees adapt to the changing climate and ensure that they continue to thrive for generations to come.