Long Island’s Tree Species Are Adapting to Climate Change – Here’s What Homeowners Need to Know in 2024

As temperatures rise and weather patterns shift across the Northeast, Long Island homeowners face unprecedented challenges in maintaining healthy, thriving landscapes. The latest climate change projections for tree species were updated in 2024 to standardize and refine capability tables, providing crucial guidance for property owners navigating this changing environment. Understanding which trees will survive and thrive in the coming decades has become essential for making smart landscaping investments.

The Climate Reality Facing Long Island Trees

Climate change is making Long Island’s winters and summers warmer while altering rainfall patterns, creating stress for many established tree species. As temperatures rise, property owners must consider what species will thrive 100 to 150 years from now. Unfortunately, some beloved species like sugar maples will not survive these changing conditions.

Climate change affects individual tree species differently – some trees will experience declines while others will thrive, depending on their unique physiology and ecology. This variability means that strategic tree selection has never been more important for Long Island homeowners.

Native Species Under Pressure

Long Island’s native tree population faces multiple stressors beyond climate change. The native southern pine beetle has migrated north and is now impacting Long Island’s pitch pines, while the spotted lanternfly feeds on numerous tree species. Additionally, invasive species like Norway maple and Black locust outcompete native trees such as oak and hemlock by consuming sunlight, water, and nutrients.

Despite these challenges, species such as Eastern Red Cedar, White Oak, and American Beech remain well-adapted to the island’s conditions. Several oak species native to Long Island, including Red Oak, White Oak, Chestnut Oak, and Black Oak, continue to thrive in the region’s sandy soils.

Climate-Adapted Species for the Future

Climate-ready trees are species specifically chosen for their ability to thrive in future climate conditions rather than just current ones, with the goal of planting trees that will thrive 50 to 100 years from now. For Long Island properties, this approach is particularly valuable.

Species with ranges extending south, including white oak, shagbark hickory, tulip poplar, eastern red-cedar, red oak, bitternut hickory, black cherry, and American sycamore, may expand their ranges farther into the region due to climate change. Northern red oaks in particular can function in high temperatures when other trees shut down and may actually grow better as the climate gets hotter.

Red Maple remains an excellent choice, growing 40-60 feet in cultivation with variable fall foliage and tolerance for most soils, preferring slightly acidic, moist conditions while being tolerant of ozone. The hardy Pitch Pine is suitable for planting on dry rocky soil that other trees cannot tolerate.

Professional Guidance is Essential

Seeking advice from professionals in your area, such as a forester or ecologist at your state forestry agency or local extension office, is an important next step. The complexity of climate-ready tree selection requires professional expertise, with certified arborists now offering comprehensive site assessments that consider projected climate conditions for the next 50-100 years.

For Suffolk County residents, working with an experienced Tree Company Long Island like Miguel’s Tree Service ensures proper species selection and expert care. Miguel’s Tree Service is a locally-owned and operated company with 15 years of experience, earning a reputation for expertise, professionalism, and commitment to customer satisfaction. As a local tree company, they understand Suffolk County’s trees inside and out, with their team’s knowledge of native species and growing conditions informing every service they provide.

Assisted Migration and Future-Proofing Strategies

Assisted migration is an emerging innovative service involving planting warmer-climate trees in traditionally colder locations, with professional tree service companies helping Long Island homeowners implement this strategy by selecting tree species from slightly warmer climates.

It’s important to plant the right tree in the right place, considering site soil type, sun exposure, moisture level, space limitations, and hardiness zone. Professional tree service companies are developing comprehensive planting strategies including gradual replacement of vulnerable species during routine maintenance and strategic diversification to reduce risk.

Taking Action Today

Homeowners can do their part by cherishing native trees like oaks and hickories on their property, unless they’re diseased, dying, or pose danger, while investing in regular tree maintenance. When choosing trees, consider the site’s specific conditions and choose species that will thrive in these conditions.

Professional tree care services understand the importance of maintaining healthy trees and landscapes, designing services to prolong tree life, mitigate potential risks, and create safe and beautiful outdoor environments. By partnering with knowledgeable professionals and selecting climate-adapted species, Long Island homeowners can ensure their landscapes remain beautiful and resilient for generations to come.