Climate Ready Trees
A blossoming desert willow (Chilopsis linearis 'Bubba') is measured two years after planting.
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.