Janice R. Andrews
Despite being brought to Britain during the Victorian era, huge sequoia trees, which are native to North America, are prospering, according to recent research. The research, carried out by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, and University College London (UCL), shows that these enormous trees are thriving in the UK’s natural environment.
The study’s main conclusions show that gigantic sequoias in the UK grow at a rate that is similar to that of their native California. Additionally, they demonstrate remarkable capacities to sequester carbon, an essential element in the fight against global warming.
Giant sequoias and allied coastal redwoods are thought to number half a million in the UK, compared to just 80,000 in their native Sierra Nevada mountains, where they are considered endangered.
Giant sequoias were first brought to Britain in 1853 as seeds and seedlings, and during the Victorian era, they immediately became symbols of luxury, gracing enormous estates, avenues, churchyards, and parks. Researchers stress the significance of comprehending these magnificent trees’ growth and carbon uptake in the UK, as there is a growing interest in planting them because to their aesthetic value and potential for carbon storage.
Scientists identified almost 5,000 gigantic sequoias throughout the UK and examined 97 individual trees at different locations using cutting-edge laser scanning technology. The study found that although growth may vary based on factors like rainfall and competition in wooded areas, these trees grow at similar rates to their US counterparts.
The findings are significant, as lead author Ross Holland noted, “UK redwoods are able to capture a large amount of carbon dioxide and are well adapted to the UK.” Researchers do warn that although planting trees can help mitigate the effects of climate change, cutting carbon emissions is still the most important step.
This study, which was published in the journal Royal Society Open Science, offers insightful information for managing and growing trees in the face of continuing climate change in the future.
