How Our Cities’ Green Tree Canopies are Shifting

As Global warming nudges temperatures higher, trees’ growing ranges are shifting northward, according to projections from the U.S. Forest Service. By the end of the century, Alabama cherry trees may be replaced by Latin America’s blue jacarandas, while Fraser firs could die out in Washington, D.C., making way for cabbage palmettos from Florida and South Carolina.

Plant hardiness zones represent the 30-year average of the coldest temperature at each location across the country. These zones help determine which trees can grow in specific areas, factoring in elements such as soil, rainfall, and humidity. As Dan Lambe, CEO of the Arbor Day Foundation, explains, these zones serve as a useful tool for understanding where and why certain trees are planted.

However, modern Climate change is rapid. The Earth has warmed about ten times faster over the past century than during historical ice ages. While humans may adapt to Global warming, trees and ecosystems that depend on them face even greater challenges.

Trees can live indefinitely, with some still standing today, dating back to before European settlers arrived. While time alone won’t kill a tree, Climate change might. Hardiness zones are slowly but inexorably migrating northward, affecting the palette of trees available for planting.

As temperatures rise, hardiness zones may shift even further north than current projections suggest. Though some areas may not see changes in their zones, they could still experience subtle shifts in vegetation. Trees “migrate” one generation at a time, with seeds spreading via river currents, wind, birds, and rodents. However, humans increasingly control tree migration patterns, experimenting with new species as the climate warms.

While introducing new tree species can sometimes be successful, there are risks involved. Some introduced species can become invasive, causing ecological disruption. Doug Tallamy, a professor at the University of Delaware, emphasizes the importance of considering more than just a tree’s ability to survive in a new area; it’s also essential to examine its ecological functions and potential impact on local ecosystems.

As we face the reality of Climate change and the migration of tree species, it’s crucial to consult licensed arborists or state forestry services before experimenting with new trees. Planting trees can be a powerful and tangible way to leave a positive mark on the planet. As Pete Smith, manager of the urban forestry program at the Arbor Day Foundation, notes, planting a tree is “one really tangible thing that we know can outlive us with a little bit of care and protection.”

So, let’s rise to the challenge and plant more trees that are suitable for our changing climate. This way, we can contribute to a greener, more sustainable future for generations to come.

Planet B Not Found Tee by Tiny Rescue: Climate Collection

Related Content:

• Planting Trees on Earth Day: How You Can Make a Positive Impact
• 10 Unconventional Fruit Trees for the Backyard Orchard
• How This Start-Up Hopes to Use Poplar Trees to Suck Up CO2
• How Future Batteries Might Come From Trees
• New Book Explains Why Animals Enjoy Living in Trees and Why Trees Like Them Too

Easy Ways to Help the Planet:

• Eat Less Meat: Download Food Monster, the largest plant-based Recipe app on the App Store, to help reduce your environmental footprint, save animals and get healthy. You can also buy a hard or soft copy of our favorite vegan cookbooks.
• Reduce Your Fast Fashion Footprint: Take initiative by standing up against fast fashion Pollution and supporting sustainable and circular brands like Tiny Rescue that raise awareness around important issues through recycled zero-waste clothing designed to be returned and remade over and over again.
• Support Independent Media: Being publicly funded gives us a greater chance to continue providing you with high-quality content. Please consider supporting us by donating!
• Sign a Petition: Your voice matters! Help turn petitions into victories by signing the latest list of must-sign petitions to help people, animals, and the planet.
• Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest news and important stories involving animals, the environment, sustainable living, food, health, and human interest topics by subscribing to our newsletter!
• Do What You Can: Reduce waste, plant trees, eat local, travel responsibly, reuse stuff, say no to single-use plastics, recycle, vote smart, switch to cold water laundry, divest from fossil fuels, save water, shop wisely, Donate if you can, grow your food, volunteer, conserve energy, compost, and don’t forget about the microplastics and microbeads lurking in common household and personal care products!