CHARLOTTE, N.C. —
How much is climate change really impacting tree growth here in Charlotte?
Let's connect the dots.
Experts say heat and drought force trees to spend energy surviving, rather than growing or fighting off diseases and pests. Climate change is also fueling extreme weather that's taking a toll on urban trees.
Trees can show stress in many different ways, including losing leaves or needles. That stress is also caused by overcrowding, droughts, or too much rain.
About 45% of Charlotte is covered by trees, but it's declining. The University of Vermont and TreesCharlotte found that Charlotte lost 4% of its tree canopy from 2012 to 2018.
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