A quick green guide to reversing climate change with nature
The big picture
Climate change, global warming, greenhouse gases – now more than ever, our environmental impact is brought into mainstream view. And for good reason, our global average temperatures have continued to rise, with January-August 2025 1.42 °C higher than pre-industrial levels according to the WMO.
While this may not sound like a substantial increase, climate change is leading to direct and devastating effects on the environment. Extreme heatwaves, wildfires, flooding, and storms are now more frequent and uncharacteristic; reductions in carbon dioxide emissions are considered by experts a necessity to reverse climate change.
Our collective activity is contributing to greater greenhouse gas emissions; energy, agriculture, automotive, transport, and forestry clearing are directly increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide and methane levels.
Trees: Hope in Healing with Horticulture
Trees are a natural lifeline in our response to rising sea levels and climate change. So in this guide, we’re diving into the importance of trees and vegetation in reducing and reversing global warming.
Why do trees reduce climate change?
The reason why trees can help to reduce climate change can be explained with a simple biology lesson.
Trees, and a wide variety of plants for that matter, grow and sustain through the process of photosynthesis. The chlorophyll and chloroplast content in leaves absorbs light energy, which drives the chemical reaction of water and carbon dioxide into glucose and oxygen.
You may remember this equation: Carbon Dioxide + Water (+ light energy) -> Oxygen + Glucose
Greenhouse gases (which include carbon dioxide) trap heat in the atmosphere by absorbing infrared radiation (heat) emitted from Earth’s surface instead of passing through into space. Human activity, such as burning fossil fuels, adds to the accumulation of greenhouse gases, thereby trapping heat further.
As trees use carbon dioxide in photosynthesis, they are effective in reducing CO2 concentration in the atmosphere, thereby lessening the volume of greenhouse gases which trap heat and lead to global warming.
Deforestation and global warming
While trees and plants trap carbon dioxide for photosynthesis, when they are cut down, the carbon dioxide is then released into the atmosphere, leading to further global warming.
This is just one reason why deforestation harms the environment. Yet every two seconds, the size of a football pitch of natural, non-commercially grown forest is cleared to make way for agricultural land.
Does planting a tree help the wider climate change effort?
While the effects of deforestation and climate change are drastic, there are steps we can take to help reverse and slow their progression.
Reforestation, while not the exclusive cure, will help to sequester carbon dioxide and greenhouse gases, to slow climate change. When paired with efforts to reduce fossil fuel usage, this will help to manage climate levels at livable temperatures.
While many homeowners and landowners in the UK may lack the land and space for reforestation and substantial planting efforts, a collective effort for planting of trees, shrubs and plants will help to make a difference.
Ideas to reduce climate change through trees and planting
Natural lawns
While full paved gardens and faux turf/astroturf have grown in popularity over the years for a low effort appearance, natural lawn spaces are more beneficial for the environment as a whole.
Lawns help to support the ecosystem, including worms and insects as well as their predators, and help to serve as a carbon sink, trapping carbon dioxide in the same way as trees.
If you have, or are considering switching to synthetic turf or paving, natural grass and lawns are an easy and effective way of helping to reduce your carbon footprint and emissions at your home.
Plant trees in your garden
Planting trees in your garden is ideal for both landscaping and supporting the environment.
While a wide selection of conifers, willows, and tall trees may not be ideal for every garden, even planting smaller and slow-growing trees can be a great way of supporting the climate change effort (such as Crab Apple and Monkey Puzzle trees).
Planting trees is also a great way of adding to the aesthetic and landscaping of your garden and land space. It can also be combined with a range of our driveway landscaping ideas.
If your trees require additional support or protection from animals like deer, consider speaking to us about an eco-conscious steel tree guard, designed to last for years without breaking down and introducing unwanted microplastics in your soil.
Shrubs
Shrubs are an easy and effective way of introducing plants into the garden without large maintenance needs.
Adding shrubs and low-level ornamental and perennial plants can prove an attractive addition to borders, particularly when paired with steel lawn and garden border edging.
Planters
Planters are a great way of introducing greenery to your land, particularly on paved or tarmac areas where introducing trees or grass may not be possible.
Lavenders, petunias, grasses, and trailing plants are a great choice for planters and can be easily planted with little maintenance. If you don’t have a planter to begin with, we craft and install steel raised beds that add instant character to your home and land.
What’s more, our steel raised planter beds are exclusively made in the UK with steel sourced from suppliers that are committed to the Corporate Net-Zero Standard.
Balcony plants
If you’re short on space or live in an apartment, house plants and balcony plants are an effective way of making your space greener.
Even a small number of balcony plants can help to contribute to carbon sequestration efforts, while also helping to improve air quality and living standards.
Living Walls
A living wall is a great way of bringing a vertical garden style to your space, and can be fitted both indoors and outdoors. Living walls allow plants to grow and support biodiversity.
At Steel Landscaping Co., we’re proud to craft custom steel living walls, in-house in the UK, using sustainably sourced materials.
Creating stunning, green spaces for your home
At Steel Landscaping Co., we’re here to help you to create beautiful green spaces that not only look good, but do good.
We craft a full choice of garden ironwork made from sustainably and ethically-sourced steel. Our range includes custom garden arches, pergolas, and water features that are designed to last longer, for lower carbon footprint garden accessories and landscaping options.
For small and large garden spaces alike, we offer a collection of steel planters and troughs, living walls, and log walls.
For more information, get in touch with our friendly team to discuss your options and design choices.