One of the most visionary aspects of the concept is TreeTalk—an interactive AI tool that enables two-way communication between park staff and trees. The system allows questions like “How are you feeling?” or “What do you need?” to help guide horticultural decisions. Trees can even be configured to ‘alert’ gardeners if they’re under stress—enabling more responsive, proactive and preventative care.
This project marks the next phase for Mayfield, whose award-winning park has been hailed as “the blueprint for the park of the future” by leading urban horticultural specialist, Nigel Dunnett.
While the RHS Chelsea Flower Show served as a test bed for this pioneering technology, its relocation to Mayfield opens up the possibility of applying these innovations in a living urban landscape. As the project evolves there are plans for Avanade’s AI assistant to operate across a network of sensors—gathering real-time data on tree growth, soil conditions, air quality and weather patterns. In turn, this would enable the AI to provide intuitive, responsive insights into each tree’s condition and offer recommendations to support its care.
Tom Massey said: “Urban trees are some of our most powerful allies in tackling climate change—cooling our cities, filtering air pollution, supporting biodiversity, and improving our wellbeing. But they’re under constant pressure, and too many don’t survive long enough to deliver their full value.”
“By bringing the Avanade Intelligent Garden to Mayfield, and expanding the technology we are piloting at RHS Chelsea across a living, much-used urban park, we hope to test this innovation in a real-world setting and gather valuable data over the longer term. By combining smart, responsive technology with human stewardship, our aim is to give trees the best possible chance—not just to survive, but to thrive for generations to come.”
