Plant Trees to Reduce the Effects of Climate Change!
Each year, Minnesota celebrates Arbor Day on the last Friday of April (April 24, 2020) and Arbor Month during the entire month of May. This year, celebrate Arbor Day and Arbor Month by planting trees to reduce the effects of climate change.
Minnesota temperatures have risen by 2°F since the early 20th century. Winter temperatures are warming the fastest, stressing tree species that thrive in colder climates and helping invasive plants and insect species flourish.
Average annual statewide precipitation has increased, generally in the form of larger rainfall events. More frequent, heavy rain events are increasing soil erosion and flooding in parts of the state.
At the same time, warmer temperatures are causing drier conditions in other parts of the state. Droughts are among the greatest stressors to forests and yard trees, often leading to disease outbreaks on stressed trees and increased wildfire risk.
What can we do to decrease these impacts of climate change?
- Plant a diversity of trees that are likely to thrive in your part of the state.
- Select the right species for your area, and plant trees that are drought-tolerant in drier areas and flood-tolerant for flood-prone areas.
- Plant deciduous trees directly east and west of homes to reduce need for air conditioning.
- Add conifer trees to the north and west of homes to block cold winds, reducing the energy needed for heating.
- Plant trees along boulevards to shade concrete buildings and streets, lower air temperatures and prevent the effects of "urban heat island".
- Care for trees by mulching, watering, and pruning them correctly.
- Choose wood products when building and remodeling to lock away carbon—reducing it in the atmosphere.
Best native yard trees for our changing climate
We'll explore Minnesota native trees that will do well in our changing climate and make great additions to your yard. Best native yard trees for our changing climate lists the best trees for your yard, based on your location.
These videos, created by our forestry staff, highlights a few native trees to consider planting in your yard.
Hackberry
Shagbark hickory
Black walnut
Follow us on social media:
- Watch for our Facebook frame premiering on Arbor Day, April 24. Show your commitment to planting and caring for trees by adding the frame to your profile.
- Watch for and share daily Arbor Month tweets from DNR Forestry (@mnforestry)
- Watch for and share weekly Arbor Month posts on the DNR's Facebook page (@MinnesotaDNR)
Tree planting and care
Check out our Planting trees and seedlings webpage for helpful videos and instructions on how to plant trees. Our Caring for newly planted trees webpage features videos and tips on how to water a newly planted tree and how to mulch a tree.
Learn how much carbon your young tree will capture.
Enter the Minnesota tree and woodland carbon capture challenge
The University of Minnesota Extension invites you to measure your trees to find out how much carbon they capture. Measure a nearby tree or woodland before May 29 and again at the end of the growing season for the chance to win a cribbage board made from reclaimed urban wood! Enter for the chance to win a prize!