How many trees are there at Kew?

There are over 14,000 trees at Kew and over 10,000 trees at Wakehurst Place.

What is the biggest tree at Kew and how big is it?

One specimen of Quercus castaneifolia is over 30m tall and has a 30m spread - www.kew.org/heritage/
plants/chestnutoak.html

Where is Quercus castaneifolia?

The Quercus castaneifolia is behind the Waterlily House and is grid reference L6 on the map given to visitors on arrival.

Did the tree featured in the programme die?

We did lose the tree, a specimen of Platycladus orientalis

How can I find out more about Champion Trees?

Champion Trees are recorded by the Tree Register - www.tree-register.org. Kew is described as having the richest collection of Champion Trees in Britain or Ireland

Why was it so important for the irrigation equipment to be purchased?

As Kew's soil became so dry in 2003, it was necessary to buy additional equipment so that every irrigation point could be used. Kew has a limited water supply and we needed to use it more efficiently so that a gradual seeping of water could be obtained. The equipment was obtained from City Irrigation, Bromley - www.cityirrigation.co.uk

How many trees were lost due to the 1987 storm?

Approximately 500 mature trees were lost following the 1987 storm. More were damaged and later lost due to the conditions. Wakehurst Place was decimated by the storm, losing 15,000 - 20,000 trees and considerable work has gone into re-planting and shelter belts.

Are you still continuing to lose trees because of 2003 drought?

It is very difficult to identify if trees are suffering from stress. It can be a couple of years before it becomes apparent. Kew is continuing to lose trees.

Is there a right kind of rain?

In 2003, the soil was so dry that a single down-pour did not soak through; it needed a gentler and more prolonged rainfall.

What are Kew's Heritage trees?

Amongst the oldest trees planted at Kew are The Old Lions. Other heritage trees reflect age or rarity of the planting. Every specimen is a piece of history in the development of an ever-changing landscape, representing the generations of a great historic tree collection. Find out more at www.kew.org/heritage/plants

Can I see a Chinese tulip tree at Kew?

Chinese tulip trees (Liriodendron chinense), and the related North American species Liriodendron tulipifera, can be found in the Gardens both at Kew and at Wakehurst Place - www.kew.org/heritage/
plants/tuliptree.html

Do you need another Chinese tulip tree?

Kew does not accept donations of plants from the public and both Kew and Wakehurst have several in the collection.

What is the history behind the pagoda tree?

One of Kew's Old Lions, the Pagoda Tree (Sophora japonica) was planted in 1762. Although named japonica, it originates from China. Over the centuries, much has been done to conserve it and support it, which you can see in the photograph at the bottom of the page at www.kew.org/heritage/
plants/oldlions.html

What is meant by Arboretum family succession and planning?

About 100 trees are planted in Kew each year. It is important to plan for future trees and growth and therefore new trees are propogated from old ones as well as important new specimens collected.

Why is the chilean wine palm (Jubaea chilensis) so special?

The chilean wine palm in the Temperate House at Kew is probably the largest indoor plant in the world. It is also one of the oldest in the Temperate House. It is still growing and one day will have to be removed when it gets too big for the glasshouse. There is another specimen growing nearby. Find out more at www.kew.org/plants/
palms/chileanwine.html

What happens to the seeds from the Chilean wine palm?

The seeds are collected and either used for growing future specimens at Kew or sent to other botanic gardens to assist in their collections.

Which trees did Tony buy from Tuscany?

The two trees shown in the programme are specimens of Quercus palustris and have been planted on Pagoda Vista near the Palm House. Other trees were also purchased.

Does Kew only buy trees from places like Italy?

The featured trees were purchased because mature trees were needed. The Arboretum team propagate from our existing trees and also grow trees from seed that is collected and germinated. Trees planted today have to cope with the warmer climate.

What is the black dye used in the Princess of Wales Conservatory water feature?

It is E151 Black Food dye, an industrial food-dye. It is available for the consumer market at www.dyofix.co.uk

What venues are available at Kew for a private function?

Many of Kew's historic buildings can be hired for a private function. Many couples have been married at Kew. More details can be found on our Venue Hire website or by e-mailing venues@kew.org