Water use by trees

Trees and forests can use more water than shorter types of vegetation. This is mainly due to the interception of rainwater by
their aerodynamically rougher canopies. The resulting impact on water supplies is becoming an increasingly important issue
for water resource managers and planners as demands for water continue to rise. Climate change predictions of warmer,
drier summers will put further pressure on supplies. This Information Note assesses the factors that influence the water use
of trees and considers how conifers and broadleaves are likely to affect water resources in different parts of the UK.