This innovative project harnesses AI technology to assist horticulturalists in enhancing the survival and growth of urban trees in challenging city environments, tackling a critical crisis—50% of urban trees don’t survive beyond 10 years, and up to 30% die within their first year, according to the Forestry Commission. RHS Chelsea will serve as the first public showcase for this pioneering technology, where it will be tested by 168,000 attendees and evaluated by the esteemed RHS judges.
The Avanade Intelligent Garden, a collaboration between Avanade and Microsoft, showcases how technology – sensors and artificial intelligence – can transform urban tree care, ensuring healthier, more resilient green spaces in cities worldwide. Designed by RHS Chelsea Gold Medal-winning duo Tom Massey and Je Ahn, the garden uses advanced sensors to monitor tree health, soil conditions, and environmental factors in real time.
Through a custom-built website for the garden, visitors will be able to have one-on-one conversations with trees via an AI-powered "TreeTalk" feature, enabling them to learn about the tree’s specific care needs and overall well-being. The technology will also allow the trees to proactively alert their custodians if they anticipate issues such as over- or under-watering.
Urban Trees: Climate Allies That Need Long-Term Care
Urban trees are unsung climate heroes, with studies showing they can reduce city temperatures by up to 5°C, cut air pollution by absorbing up to 150kg of CO2 per tree per year, and even reduce flood risk by absorbing stormwater. Most trees reach their ecological peak at 50 years old, yet it takes up to 16 years for a newly planted urban tree to become carbon neutral. Urban tree management is a difficult task, leading to high failure rates and wasted resources. With a global focus on the benefits of planting trees, the importance of continued care can be lost in the noise.
AI provides a data-driven, responsive, and proactive approach that has the potential to significantly boost survival rates, supporting urban trees to flourish for longer periods in challenging urban environments. This could help communities sustainably benefit from the ecological, social, and economic services that these trees offer well into the future.
At the Avanade Intelligent Garden, visitors will experience first-hand how AI could be used to support custodians of urban trees. The technology integrates:
Advanced environmental sensors that monitor growth, soil conditions, and air quality.
AI-driven analytics that identifies patterns and provides actionable advice for tree care.
Human-centered AI that empowers urban planners, city councils, and communities to make sustainable, resource-efficient decisions.
Annette Giardina, UK Innovation & Sustainability Lead from Avanade, said, “With 2024 confirmed as the hottest year on record, the role of urban trees in cooling our cities and improving air quality has never been more critical. Unfortunately, sometimes trees are planted without the right data to hand, which affects long-term survival strategies. AI has the power to change that—giving urban trees and their guardians a fighting chance.”
Tom Massey added, “We are exploring how technology might support human efforts to maintain nature’s balance in the face of the climate crisis. Urban trees worldwide are increasingly under threat, and our goal is to develop an AI tool that complements—rather than replaces—human knowledge and judgement. By providing clear, practical, and actionable insights, this tool aims to support custodians of urban trees in making informed, sustainable decisions that protect and enhance the long-term health of the trees under their stewardship.”
Blueprint for Sustainable Horticulture
Beyond tree care, the Avanade Intelligent Garden showcases innovative sustainability initiatives:
A mycelium-clad pavilion made from biodegradable materials sourced from trees that had to be cut down due to Ash Dieback, a disease that weakens and eventually kills ash trees.
A planted swale that aids natural stormwater management and reduces urban flooding risks.
A forest-garden approach that emphasizes biodiversity, climate resilience, and edible plant species.
Pam Maynard, Chief AI Transformation Officer at Microsoft Customer and Partner Solutions, concluded, “The urgency of climate action demands new solutions. AI doesn’t replace human tree custodians—it enhances their ability to protect these vital natural assets. By leveraging AI-driven insights through Microsoft’s Azure OpenAI, Avanade is pioneering sustainable horticulture that supports tree longevity for generations to come.”
Urban tree loss is not inevitable. AI-driven interventions may be able to help increase tree survival rates, enhance climate resilience, and ensure cities remain green, liveable spaces. To experience this cutting-edge technology in action, visit the Avanade Intelligent Garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show May 20-24, 2025.
