Dead tree painted red to highlight climate change impact

At Kew Gardens in London, a red oak tree that died during the UK’s 2022 heatwave has been painted bright red and left standing as a public reminder of climate change.

The installation comes as London experiences unusually high temperatures for June. According to Kew Gardens, more than 400 trees across the site died during the extreme heat of the summer of 2022. While most were removed, this red oak remains in place to highlight the impact of rising temperatures on the natural environment.

Beside it stands the “Tree of Hope,” a climate-resilient Hungarian oak chosen for its ability to cope better with warmer conditions. Visitors can learn about both trees through signs and displays. Kew says the contrast between the dead red oak and its younger neighbor is intended to encourage reflection on how climate change is reshaping landscapes across the UK.