Trees Suffer 'Sunburns.' New Phenomenon Becoming Increasingly Common

Rzeczpospolita highlights a concerning new phenomenon affecting trees: 'sunburn' caused by extreme heat and drought. The article, drawing on research from the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL) and EPFL, explains that trees, like humans, cool themselves through transpiration. However, during dry spells, they close their stomata to conserve water, leading to leaf overheating and damage. This is particularly critical for young trees and species like beech, which are more sensitive to drought. The Polish perspective here is one of concern for forest health, a vital natural resource in Poland, and an appreciation for scientific research that sheds light on these complex environmental challenges. The surprising resilience of oak trees compared to beeches underscores the importance of understanding species-specific responses to climate change. This research provides crucial insights for forest management and conservation efforts in Poland, where forests play a significant ecological and economic role.

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We wanted to compare the water use strategy of the sessile oak with that of the beech, which is more sensitive to drought, especially in the early stages of growth.