Trees for a Changing Climate and Resilient Urban Forest (2022)

Colorado's Front Range cities face harsh conditions for growing trees—hot summers, cold winters, low rainfall, and alkaline soils—which are predicted to worsen as temperatures rise due to climate change. The loss of ash trees and other species will increase urban heat island effects, making cities hotter and less resilient. To address this, experts recommend increasing tree diversity rather than relying on a few proven species, as monocultures are more vulnerable to pests, diseases, and climate-related stress.