Can You Imagine a World Without Trees?

The world needs trees. Learn about the different threats trees are facing and how arboreta are aiming to help.

Korean collection at The Morton Arboretum (2014-09-09) by The Morton Arboretum and Earl Richardson, independent contractorThe Morton Arboretum

Trees are the cornerstone of Earth's ecosystems

They provide habitat for animals and other plants. We need them. Despite their critical importance to people and ecosystems, at least 10 percent of the world’s roughly 100,000 tree species are threatened with extinction. 

Trees make our lives better in ways we may not notice. They clean air, store carbon, and provide food, timber, fuel, and medicine. Scientists call these benefits “ecosystem services.” Humans would have to pay billions of dollars for these services if we let our trees die.

Benefits of Trees, The Morton Arboretum, 2020, From the collection of: The Morton Arboretum
Show lessRead more

Trees are increasingly vulnerable in a changing world.

It can take decades for trees to reach maturity and reproduce and they can’t move when their habitat becomes inhospitable. Since trees stay where they are planted and many have seeds that are not easily dispersed, they are often trapped in a rapidly changing environment.

Michael Le and Andrew Muñoz measure the height of a tree at the Tollway (2018) by Jeff RossThe Morton Arboretum

Tree conservation means that we are trying to make sure trees will be around for future generations. A tree surviving does not mean it has been conserved. A tree is considered successful if it survives, grows, and reproduces.

Arboreta are leaders in tree conservation.

Arboreta are botanical gardens specializing in trees. They conduct scientific research, promote conservation, and engage in outreach and education

Arboreta share seeds, living specimens, research, knowledge, and skills to make sure trees will be around for future generations.

Nicole Cavender and Murphy Westwood in France, The Morton Arboretum, 2014-04-27, From the collection of: The Morton Arboretum
,
Nicole Cavender and Murphy Westwood in China, The Morton Arboretum, 2014-03-19, From the collection of: The Morton Arboretum
,
Researchers on a collecting trip in Durango, Mexico, The Morton Arboretum, 2015, From the collection of: The Morton Arboretum
Show lessRead more

Living collections at an arboretum can be defined as trees that are grown with a purpose. Scientists and researchers study these trees, learn how they grow, and understand what it takes to keep them safe and healthy.

Morton staff by large Quercus oglethorpensis (2017) by Matt LobdellThe Morton Arboretum

Working together, researchers have identified many threats to trees, including overharvesting by humans, pests and diseases, climate change, adverse urban conditions, and decreasing diversity. Let’s look at some examples and how arboreta are responding to them. 

CHANGE bench in the maple (Acer) collection at The Morton Arboretum (2013-06-11) by The Morton ArboretumThe Morton Arboretum

Climate Change

Some trees are no longer adapted to where they once grew. Because of climate change, habitats are shifting and causing unpredictable weather patterns. These changing conditions leave trees more vulnerable to pests and diseases and increase the intensity of forest fires.

Lane Scher flies a drone in winter (2018) by Michael HudsonThe Morton Arboretum

While there is no solution to climate change, arboreta document the observable changes in trees and their habitats. They analyze and share the results of their research in order to advocate for effective responses to climate change.

Cut logs in the winter (2016) by The Morton ArboretumThe Morton Arboretum

Overharvesting

People sometimes overharvest trees because they provide such important products. Overharvesting taken to its extreme can wipe out entire naturally occurring populations. Arboreta build awareness about overharvesting by educating businesses, policymakers and the general public.

Emerald ash borer (March 3, 2016) by Sam DroegeThe Morton Arboretum

Pests

Pests like aphids, beetles, borers, and moths threaten trees around the globe. Their impact can be devastating as they enter new regions. At The Morton Arboretum, scientists and breeders have been breeding pest and disease-resistant trees. 

Urban Conditions


With compacted soil, restricted growth areas, and pollution, urban environments are challenging for trees. Research has identified species that can thrive in urban areas and techniques to help them survive. Arboreta share this information with city planners and other leaders.

Street trees in Millennium Park, downtown Chicago, The Morton Arboretum, 2007, From the collection of: The Morton Arboretum
,
Street trees in suburban Chicago, The Morton Arboretum, 2015, From the collection of: The Morton Arboretum
Show lessRead more

Matt Lobdell in the Oak Collection (2015-09-17) by The Morton Arboretum and Michael Hudson, independent contractorThe Morton Arboretum

Overharvesting, pests, diseases, climate change, adverse urban conditions, and decreasing diversity -- the list of threats may seem overwhelming, but arboreta are making great progress in addressing each one. 

The Morton Arboretum - The Champion of Trees (2015-04-16) by The Morton ArboretumThe Morton Arboretum

Scientists, conservationists, and other advocates are working on the behalf of trees. You, too, can be a champion of trees by supporting this important work.

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
Explore more
Related theme
Natural History
The beautiful, the dangerous, the endangered. Up close.
View theme
Google apps