Trees growing in urban environments or cities worldwide could be at risk due to climate change. Species planted years ago might not be able to cope with the future conditions of a climate that continues to show new extremes. Research has shown that half of the urban trees are outside their comfort zone, meaning that future plantings should consider climate resilience.

Trees and shrubs in streets, parks and urban backyards offer a wide range of important benefits, mitigating the adverse effects of climate change. But this changing climate also threatens urban trees - trees that might be unable to survive heat waves and drought. The demand for climate-proof trees that don’t rely on irrigation or winter protection continues to grow. Thankfully, growers worldwide have focussed on selecting the utmost hardy, resilient and climate-proof varieties to withstand the ever-changing climate.

Acer campestre Street Pillar is one of these urban superheroes. Because of the narrow, ascending growth, Street Pillar is perfect for cities, squares, cemeteries and even containers: it tolerates partial paving and is known for its effective absorption of CO2 and reduction of air pollution. In addition, the modest flowers in spring support biodiversity. This Acer is resistant to salt, drought and extreme conditions, has extremely strong branches, can be planted in the shade as well as in the sun and in any type of soil and is hardy to -28 ºC.

Another spectacular urban tree is Ginkgo biloba Blagon. Blagon can handle air pollution, cold, heat and drought. A great climate-proof variety for gardens, streets and lawns, large containers or urban planting. Once established, Blagon can resist many kinds of (poor) soils, and the naturally narrow, pyramidal growth habit makes it very low maintenance. Ginkgo Blagon is particularly useful in industrial areas and cold-exposed sites and is hardy to -30 ºC.

Last but definitely not least, 2023 welcomed Robinia x margaretta Georgia da Torino to the market. A tree as strong as she is beautiful. Georgia da Torino flowers abundantly in late spring with fuchsia-purple flowers that are very attractive for bees. The branches are strong and flexible and do not break quickly. Georgia da Torino is heat, wind and drought resistant, has hardly any thorns and is resistant against parasites. An excellent tree for landscaping, parks and squares and thanks to its inflorescence it can also be applied in uncultivated landscapes. Robinia Georgia da Torino is hardy to -23 ºC.