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Climate Change & Its Impact on Our Trees

Tree trimming

Climate change has already had an effect on the world around us. Glaciers are shrinking, ice is on rivers, and animal ranges are being impacted. Trees are also facing observable effects.

Climate and Tree Health

As the climate shapes our world’s basic living conditions, it is no surprise our trees have become increasingly vulnerable with the acceleration of climate change. This region’s trees are facing a fast decline and rapid deterioration. Climate change is catalyzing a makeover on the Northeast’s forests. 

Many trees like ash, oak, maple, hemlock, elm, and white pine are already threatened by pests and diseases while others fight off insects and infections. Climate changes add more to the list of threats – droughts, heavy rain, rising temperatures, invasive plants, air pollution, timber harvesting, and changing seasons. Droughts have even increased the risk of wildfires. Trees struggle to recover from these threats. 

Northeast Climate Effects on Trees 

In the Northeast, warming winters pose additional threats to our trees. Because of the lack of snow covering due to the increased temperatures, trees face a decline in growth and forest carbon storage. Climate change is also predicted to have push conifers out, which leaves the hardwoods to dominate in the Northeast forests. 

No forest or heavily wooded area is ever still as trees are growing and species are migrating in and out. However, climate change has forced this change to be faster. Trends that typically take hundreds or thousands of years to take place are taking place at faster rates. Indigenous species of certain animals are predicted to move from their native lands because of the climate condition.

Trees are experiencing longer growing seasons as the warmer temperatures last about three weeks longer than expected too. These longer growing seasons are making the trees grow bigger, but the wood is less durable and weaker. This results in trees that are more prone to damage from things like storms. 

Caring for Your Tree and Climate Change 

Be aware of the dangers of climate change and how you can help mitigate its effects. Biocontrol and pesticides can be expensive and hard to deliver in a max capacity. The arborists at Horhut Tree Experts are ready to face the issues posed by climate change to ensure your trees stay healthy. They promise to continue to reshape and expand the nature of their work to meet your needs. 

The arborists of Horhut Tree Experts know what is best for your Pittsburgh tree care. The woody plant specialists provide top-notch tree service to help your trees thrive. Contact Horhut Tree Experts today by calling (412) 855-2703 or visiting their website to request a quote. You will want to experience the Horhut difference!