By Amelie Hyams, DNR Forestry Outreach Specialist
Minnesota’s trees are being negatively impacted by increasing pressure from pests, diseases, and invasive species, changing temperatures and precipitation, and more extreme weather events due to climate change. Now more than ever, this Arbor Day (April 29) and Arbor Month (May) we need to plant trees that will be resilient to these stresses!
Our Arbor Day and Arbor Month 2022 message “Plant Resilient Trees, Grow Resilient Communities” explores the connection between resilient trees and how they help make communities stronger and better able to adapt to change.
Of course, homeowners and woodland owners can’t just ask for a “resilient tree” at the nursery. But by understanding how to carefully choose, plant, and care for it, they can make their tree more resilient:
Choose – species diversity is important! Consider species that can tolerate site conditions such as floods, drought, shade, or excess road salt.
Plant – at the proper depth, in appropriate locations such as away from structures or power lines, and prevent circling roots.
Care – mulch, water, protect trees from damage, and properly prune.
On a community level, adding to the diversity of tree species makes both local forests and communities more resilient by improving health, aesthetics, and safety. By planting a diverse mix of tree species and ages, communities improve chances of their urban forests resisting diseases, insects, and other stressors such as climate change. Here are a few advantages of a resilient community forest:
A resilient tree canopy decreases summertime temperatures along streets, improves air quality, and improves water quality by reducing runoff.
Healthy, resilient trees capture and store carbon from the atmosphere thereby offsetting greenhouse gas emissions.
Well-maintained, resilient trees make communities more attractive plus trees along streets have been shown to reduce traffic speeds, as compared to streets without trees – making them safer for pedestrians.
Healthy, tree-filled communities raise property values!
Check out these DNR Arbor Day – Arbor Month web resources
How-to tips and videos on properly planting and caring for trees.
Best Native Yard Trees for Our Changing Climate videos –help homeowners choose a great tree for their area.
List of Climate Adaptive Urban Trees
More than Just Planting: Caring for Trees Creates a Resilient Community Forest, article interviews three city foresters who provide their insights on resilient trees.
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