How Colorado Is Rethinking Its Urban Forest for a Hotter, Drier Future
Trees for a Changing Climate and Resilient Urban Forest (2022)
Colorado's Front Range cities face harsh growing conditions—hot summers, cold winters, low rainfall, and alkaline soils—that are worsening with climate change. To build a resilient urban forest, experts recommend diversifying tree species beyond the vulnerable ash and cottonwood, looking to southern seed sources for heat and drought tolerance, and embracing native oaks and other tough trees. This article interviews four tree experts who share their top picks and strategies for adapting our urban canopy.
Trees are particularly vulnerable to climate change and very important both in preventing it and maintaining livable conditions.