Elisabeth investigates ecosystem services provided by garden trees and is particularly interested in traits related to flood mitigation, cooling and pollution capture
I focus my research on ecosystem ‘services’ provided by common trees used in domestic gardens in urban areas. The right tree for the right garden can offer a range of different services, including flood mitigation, cooling, insulation, noise attenuation, CO2 sequestration, increased biodiversity, enhanced air quality, and improved human health and wellbeing. I am particularly interested in traits related to flood mitigation, cooling capacity and pollution capture while aiming to encourage the planting of a broad selection of species to increase biodiversity in UK gardens. Trees provide their services throughout the year and for years to come, which is why they play a crucial role in any planting scheme.
“I am very motivated by working with something that is so applicable: encouraging planting of trees, while urging the consideration of appropriate tree selection, can have real beneficial impact on the environment and human wellbeing.”
Ecosystem services provided by gardens can mitigate a great proportion of environmental challenges, many of which are locally generated. Increased traffic increases air pollution, paved surfaces increase the risk of flooding; the growth of urban areas decreases wildlife habitats and creates urban ‘hot spots’. In this context, gardeners have power to improve their local environment, which in turn may have a positive impact on human health. Our team is very diverse in its expertise and our common focus on environmental horticulture can help to quantify and promote the benefits of plants in domestic gardens.
I have worked in three different countries and collaborated with academic institutions as well as industrial partners in the private and the public sector.
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.
