Georgia’s Trees Face an Uncertain Future: How Climate Change is Reshaping Your Landscape Care Strategy

Georgia’s majestic forests and urban canopies are under unprecedented stress. As climate patterns shift across the Peach State, homeowners and property managers must adapt their tree care approaches to protect these vital green assets that define our communities and provide essential environmental benefits.

Understanding Climate Change Impacts on Georgia Trees

Warmer temperatures and changes in rainfall are unlikely to substantially reduce forest cover in Georgia, although the composition of trees in the forests may change. More droughts would reduce forest productivity, and climate change is also likely to increase the damage from insects and disease. These changes aren’t theoretical—they’re happening now and affecting trees in backyards, parks, and commercial properties across the state.

According to a recent study released by the U.S. Forest Service, Georgia is losing more trees than any other state in the nation. It is losing an average of 18,000 acres of trees per year which is causing some major negative effects on Georgia’s climate. This alarming trend makes proper tree care more critical than ever.

Rising Temperatures and Changing Weather Patterns

Seventy years from now, most of Georgia is likely to have 45 to 75 days per year with temperatures above 95°F, compared with about 15 to 30 such days today. These extreme heat events stress trees in multiple ways:

• Heat Stress: Extended periods of high temperatures can damage tree cellular structures and disrupt photosynthesis
• Increased Water Demand: Trees require more water to cool themselves through transpiration
• Soil Moisture Depletion: Higher temperatures accelerate soil water evaporation

A new map using data climate predictions from the U.S. Forest Service shows all “hardiness zones” are getting warmer, meaning the trees that have historically done well in Georgia may not thrive in the future. The map shows that overall, the region will likely transition from USDA Zones 8a to 8b by 2040.

Drought and Water Stress Challenges

Drought is a major climate stressor that impacts forest productivity while also increasing their susceptibility to opportunistic attacks from insects and pathogens. Projected increases in drought severity and intensity could threaten water availability and quality, cause shifts in tree species composition across Georgia, and lead to more frequent wildfires.

For property owners, this means implementing more sophisticated irrigation strategies and selecting drought-resistant tree species for new plantings. Traditional watering schedules may no longer be sufficient to maintain tree health during increasingly severe dry periods.

Increased Pest and Disease Pressure

Infestations are often fueled by droughts, flooding, lightning strikes, and human disturbances. These beetles are more successful when mounting attacks on trees in decline or stressed from other factors. Climate change creates the perfect storm for pest outbreaks:

• Pine Bark Beetles: Pine bark beetles are among the most destructive insects affecting pines in the State of Georgia. They occur across all land types and geographic regions of the state.
• Emerald Ash Borer: The emerald ash borer (EAB) is an exotic beetle native to Asia that targets ash trees (Fraxinus sp.)
• Laurel Wilt Disease: Laurel Wilt Disease (LWD) is a disease transmitted by the Asian redbay ambrosia beetle (RAB) that results in serious damage and mortality to redbay trees and other laurel species. Since its introduction in 2002, LWD has become a widespread issue throughout Georgia and is now spreading in sassafras.

Erratic Weather and Tree Vulnerability

“Erratic weather patterns that result in 70-degree days in February could cause some trees and plants to produce new bulbs early.” When temperatures plunge back to freezing and damage that new growth, the tree will have to use more energy to produce new buds, which Levine said weakens the tree. This weather whiplash is becoming increasingly common in Georgia.

Our forest ecosystems face mounting risks from “weather whiplash” as climate change increases average temperatures and the frequency of extreme weather events. Although warming temperatures may increase the growth rates of some trees in parts of the southern United States, extended droughts and harsh cold snaps threaten to increase mortality of seedlings and stress older trees, making them more susceptible to insect damage.

Adapting Your Tree Care Strategy

Professional arborists and tree care specialists are developing new approaches to help trees survive in Georgia’s changing climate. When searching for qualified tree services Cherokee GA and throughout the state, look for companies that understand these evolving challenges.

Proactive Management Practices

Invest more up front, planting genetically improved seedlings to improve growth and resistance to drought, insects and disease. Plant fewer trees per acre; Consider going with a slightly lower number than traditional tree planting density (~450 to 600 seedlings per acre) to reduce competition, which may help during drought.

Key adaptation strategies include:

• Regular Health Assessments: If you notice anything unusual or concerning about the health of your trees, don’t wait—contact a certified arborist. A professional can diagnose the problem and recommend appropriate treatment options to help restore your tree’s health or safely remove it if necessary.
• Proper Pruning Timing: Adjust pruning schedules to avoid vulnerable periods when trees are stressed
• Soil Health Management: Improve soil structure and water retention capacity
• Integrated Pest Management: Monitor for early signs of pest and disease issues

Species Selection for Future Resilience

In addition to retaining native trees that grow in the Piedmont region of Georgia, Levine said Trees Atlanta is also trying to plant cultivars — or cuttings — of Southern genotype trees that grow in hotter places such as Florida and find other American native plants that could be compatible with our wildlife.

The rebounding use of native longleaf pine, together with prescribed fire, may also provide key solutions to water scarcity, wind damage, and insect damage.

The Economic and Environmental Stakes

Georgia ranks first in the nation for acres of commercial timberland and annual volume of timber harvested. Each year, the Georgia forestry industry provides $4 billion dollars in salaries and pensions to over 140,000 workers, contributes $36 billion to the statewide economy, and delivers essential building supplies and energy to the region and the world.

In addition to sequestering enough carbon to offset 23% of our state’s emissions annually, forests are keeping our communities resilient to the extreme heat and weather impacts of climate change.

Taking Action Now

The time for reactive tree care is over. Georgia property owners must adopt proactive, climate-informed management strategies to protect their valuable tree assets. This includes working with certified arborists who understand the changing conditions and can recommend appropriate species, care schedules, and intervention strategies.

One of the most common problems that trees face is drought stress. This can be a sign of many different diseases but is most commonly caused by a lack of water. However, simply watering more isn’t always the solution—trees need comprehensive care that addresses the root causes of stress.

Professional tree care services are adapting their practices to meet these new challenges, incorporating climate science into their recommendations and helping property owners make informed decisions about tree selection, placement, and ongoing care. By understanding how climate change affects Georgia’s trees and taking proactive steps now, we can preserve the natural beauty and environmental benefits that make our state’s landscapes so special.

The future of Georgia’s trees depends on our collective action today. Whether you’re planning new plantings, maintaining existing trees, or dealing with storm damage, partnering with knowledgeable professionals who understand these evolving challenges is essential for long-term success.