Takin’ it to the streets: Morpho-physiological acclimation of urban trees

Climate projections suggest that by the end of this century weather patterns in Michigan may resemble those of present-day Oklahoma. In addition, urban heat island effects will further exacerbate stresses of trees in cities. However, periodic outbreaks of extreme cold weather such as the Artic air intrusions that occurred over eastern North America in 2014 and 2015 preclude simply moving tree populations northward. Therefore, selection of urban trees for future climates should focus on trees with broad physiological niches and a high capacity for physiological and morphological acclimation.