The Metro: How resilient is Detroit’s tree canopy in the face of climate change?
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A view of the tree canopy in Palmer Park's Witherell Woods, the largest old-growth forest in the Tri-County area.
Climate change is affecting the trees in metro Detroit.
The Eastern U.S. experienced an oppressive heat wave recently. There were also a handful of severe thunderstorms that inevitably brought down branches, limbs, or even whole trees across the region.
In Detroit, fewer than 60% of households have air conditioning, according to American Forests. That makes shade a vital source of relief from the heat.
So how is Detroit’s tree canopy doing in the face of climate change? And if you want to plant your own tree, what species will be resilient for decades to come? To find out, Metro producer David Leins spoke with Lawrence Law, urban forester and partnership coordinator for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
Use the media player above to hear the full conversation.
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