INLAND EMPIRE – (INT) – If the future of trees lining city streets is any indicator, Riverside and other inland cities are likely to become more desert-like.

Newly published research concludes that many common street trees now growing in California’s interior could disappear in the warmer climate expected by the end of the century. But, common trees in coastal cities will be better suited to withstand the 2099 climate.

“Our research shows that some trees now lining the streets of cities like Fresno, Stockton and Ukiah are likely to perform poorly in 2099,” Igor Lacan, UC Cooperative Extension environmental horticulture advisor, said. “Urban planners need to look at the conditions – and trees – now found in El Centro, Barstow and Fresno respectively.”

Riverside is likely to have climate conditions more like Barstow is today – warm and dry.

“It’s very reasonable to say the warming predicted by the model we used is already ‘baked in,’ regardless of any mitigation efforts. While we should take measures to prevent even greater warming – mostly by reducing the use of fossil fuels – this study aims to help adapt California urban forests to the warming that can be reasonably expected to occur,” Lacan said.

Story Date: September 4, 2018