The variation in rain, snow, sun, wind, and temperature experienced every day represents fluctuations in weather, not climate. Weather is the state of the atmosphere over a short period of time, and climate is how the atmosphere “behaves” over relatively long periods of time. In general, discussions of climate refer to averages covering 30 years or more.

Changes in temperature, precipitation, and seasonal fluctuations significantly impact the growth and survival of trees and shrubs, the health of urban and natural forests, and the quality of life and the environment on which people depend. As these conditions change rapidly, trees cannot keep pace or move to a new neighborhood. Individual trees are rooted in the ground and immobile, and while populations of trees can move geographically, it happens slowly, over time. Since trees are immobile, they must be able to adapt to the changing conditions. Those that don’t adapt well are susceptible to stress. Arboretum researchers are studying the ways trees are starting to adapt, and how they have adapted in the past to changing conditions, to better plan for the future.

Contact the Arboretum’s free Plant Clinic if you have questions about specific trees. The Plant Clinic can offer advice on the best varieties of trees to plant for the future, looking at a variety of factors, including sun exposure and soil conditions. One simple thing that you can do to ensure healthy trees for years to come is to plant a diverse selection of trees matched to the appropriate conditions to help guard against the risk of targeted pests and diseases devastating a particular species of tree.

The Morton Arboretum works to ensure the future of trees through its plant collections, science and conservation, and education. The Arboretum studies, plants, and protects trees in its living collections, in Chicago-area communities, and around the world. Among many pursuits, it is evaluating and developing trees for projected future growing conditions, conducting threat assessments for key groups of trees around the globe, prioritizing species for conservation, and educating and equipping the public as tree advocates, planters, and stewards.

Trees are an important part of the solution to help address both the impacts and the process of climate change. Trees benefit people, communities, and the environment. The benefits trees provide are even more critical in a changing climate. Along with removing carbon dioxide (CO2) and pollutants from the air, reducing flooding, and helping manage stormwater runoff, trees also cool cities. By casting shade and giving off moisture from its leaves, a large shade tree can reduce the surrounding temperature by 10 to 15 degrees.

Yes. Construction on a new solar array will begin in spring 2024. The solar array will be located on a south-facing berm on the Arboretum’s East Side adjacent to I-88. The array is expected to meet 100% of the Arboretum’s annual energy needs.