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Urban Trees and Climate Change

Master Gardeners of Alameda County・52 minutes read

Dr. Igor Lacan emphasizes the importance of providing locally relevant, science-based information to home gardeners to help them solve problems sustainably, specifically focusing on climate change adaptation and ensuring plant survival in a warmer climate. Utilizing tools like Climate Explorer and Urban Tree Inventory can assist in selecting suitable tree species based on future climate projections, guiding home gardeners away from high water use plants and ensuring long-term tree survival in changing environments.

Insights

  • Dr. Lacan stresses the significance of offering locally relevant, science-based guidance to gardeners for sustainable problem-solving, particularly in the context of adapting to a warmer climate to ensure plant survival.
  • The discussion underscores the necessity of understanding climate change impacts on plants, such as temperature and moisture effects, to effectively adapt to a changing environment and guarantee plant survival, emphasizing the importance of selecting trees suitable for future climates based on factors like temperature and water availability.

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Recent questions

  • How does climate change affect plant survival?

    Climate change impacts plant survival by altering temperature and moisture levels. As temperatures rise, growing seasons may extend, requiring more water for plants to thrive. Changes in temperature also affect insect life cycles, disrupting ecosystems. Additionally, the increase in carbon dioxide levels due to human activities leads to global warming, necessitating adaptation strategies for plants to survive in a changing environment.

  • What tools can assist in selecting suitable tree species?

    Tools like Climate Explorer and Urban Tree Inventory can aid in selecting suitable tree species based on future climate projections. Climate Explorer helps predict future climate conditions, allowing users to find the most common trees in a specific area. Urban Tree Inventory provides valuable information on tree suitability for different locations, ensuring that selected trees can thrive in their environment.

  • Why is it important to consider tree longevity in urban areas?

    Urban trees have a half-life of around 30 years, with their benefits increasing as they age. Ensuring good root quality and matching trees to site conditions are crucial for tree longevity in urban areas. Considering climate projections and selecting trees that can thrive in both current and future conditions is essential for the long-term success of urban tree planting initiatives.

  • How can home gardeners adapt to a changing climate?

    Home gardeners can adapt to a changing climate by seeking locally relevant, science-based information to solve gardening problems sustainably. Understanding the impacts of climate change on plants, such as temperature and moisture effects, is crucial for adapting to a changing environment and ensuring plant survival. By selecting trees suitable for future climates and considering factors like temperature and water availability, home gardeners can contribute to environmental resilience.

  • What are the key factors to consider when planting trees in urban areas?

    When planting trees in urban areas, it is essential to conduct a site assessment to determine the suitability of the location. Factors like sun exposure, wind conditions, irrigation, mulch, and turf presence should be evaluated to ensure the successful growth of trees. Utilizing tools like the Cornell site assessment checklist can guide clients in assessing their site for tree planting, promoting the selection of trees that can thrive in urban environments. Additionally, addressing tree risk with clients by discussing the benefits of hiring an arborist and educating them on tree evaluations can contribute to the long-term health of urban trees.

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Summary

00:00

Urban Forestry and Climate Change Adaptation Strategies

  • UBC Cooperative Extension Advisor for San Mateo, San Francisco, Alameda, Contra Costa, and Santa Clara focuses on urban forestry and arboriculture.
  • Dr. Igor Lacan, with experience at Portland State University and as a California Science and Tech policy fellow, is involved in applied research and environmental management.
  • Dr. Lacan emphasizes the importance of providing locally relevant, science-based information to home gardeners to help them solve problems sustainably.
  • The discussion centers on climate change, specifically on adapting to a warmer climate to ensure plant survival.
  • The atmospheric greenhouse effect, primarily caused by water vapor and carbon dioxide, existed before human intervention but has been exacerbated by human activities like burning fossil fuels.
  • The increase in carbon dioxide levels due to human activities is leading to global warming, necessitating adaptation strategies.
  • Temperature impacts of climate change include extending growing seasons, requiring more water for plants, and affecting insect life cycles.
  • The heat zone map illustrates the increase in hot days, leading to higher water demand due to vapor pressure deficit.
  • California's water situation is highly variable, with significant year-to-year rainfall fluctuations, necessitating strategies to manage water resources effectively.
  • Understanding climate change impacts on plants, including temperature and moisture effects, is crucial for adapting to a changing environment and ensuring plant survival.

16:43

Climate models predict rainfall variability and changes.

  • Models predict more variability in rainfall, with some forecasting a slight increase while others anticipate a decrease.
  • Consensus among models suggests longer intervals between major storms, concentrating rainfall in the winter season.
  • Despite rainfall changes, plants will require more water due to rising temperatures.
  • Snowfall is expected to decrease significantly, with a projected 50% reduction in snow over the next 100 years.
  • Becky Bollinger's study questions the concept of "normal" rainfall, highlighting shifts in long-term averages.
  • Recent adjustments in calculating normal averages reveal varying temperature trends across regions.
  • Rainfall patterns also show changes, with some areas experiencing increased precipitation while others face decreased rainfall.
  • Adjusted normals impact meteorological predictions, leading to fewer extreme temperature days and precipitation anomalies.
  • Substituting space for time aids in predicting future climate impacts on tree species, using current cities as proxies for future conditions.
  • Utilizing tools like Climate Explorer and Urban Tree Inventory can assist in selecting suitable tree species based on future climate projections.

32:29

Santa Ana Tree Planting and Care Guide

  • Use the Climate Explorer tool in Santa Ana to easily find the most common trees without needing to query the data.
  • Input a specific tree into the search box to determine if it grows in Santa Ana, with the option to verify with a call if needed.
  • Utilize the Climate Explorer to predict the climate and then cross-reference with Wikipedia to find a matching city, typically in Southern California.
  • Check the Urban Tree Inventory for tree information, ensuring the selected tree is suitable for the location.
  • Consider the natural range of trees, especially native ones, and how climate changes may affect their growth.
  • Conduct a site assessment to determine the suitability of the location for planting a tree, considering factors like sun exposure and wind.
  • Use tools like the Cornell site assessment checklist to guide clients in assessing their site for tree planting.
  • Evaluate factors like irrigation, mulch, and turf presence when planning tree planting, considering the specific site conditions.
  • Use tools like Exomasis from the National Weather Service to analyze weather data, including rainfall and temperature trends.
  • Address tree risk with clients by discussing how to hire an arborist and educate them on the costs and benefits of tree evaluations.

48:05

Future-Proofing Urban Trees for Climate Resilience

  • Hybrid Maples are tolerant of low water and have genetic authority.
  • Shifting retail nursery information is crucial to guide home gardeners away from high water use plants.
  • Selecting trees suitable for future climates is essential, considering factors like temperature and water availability.
  • Urban trees have a half-life of around 30 years, with benefits increasing as they age.
  • Ensuring good root quality and matching trees to site conditions is key for tree longevity.
  • Climate projections show a potential increase in average temperatures, impacting tree selection.
  • Balancing between current and future climate conditions when selecting trees is important for long-term success.
  • Consideration of inundation in flooded areas like Alameda is crucial for tree selection, focusing on site-specific solutions.
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