Pacific Southwest Research Station

Research Topics Urban Forestry

Climate Ready Trees

A blossoming desert willow (Chilopsis linearis 'Bubba') is measured two years after planting. (U.S. Forest Service/E. Greg McPherson)

Study evaluates the performance of climate-ready trees

California’s recent drought illustrated that many urban tree species are sensitive to stressors associated with changing climates. In anticipation of warmer, drier climates predicted for California, researchers are introducing new or under-represented tree species into urban forests that are expected to better weather these conditions.

The study intends to gradually shift the tree palette within test cities to ones that are more tolerant of heat, drought, salinity and pests. Researchers will be evaluating the performance of promising, but underused, species for the next 20 years. A five-step process has been implemented to test trees in three California climate zones, with regular monitoring updates posted to the project website.

Seventeen years after planting, drought tolerant tree species are evaluated

New research evaluating tree
species for climate adaptation

Climate ready urban trees for
Central Valley cities

Climate-ready tree study – update for Central Valley communities

Ten-year performance of the United States national elm trial