Alternative tree species
Conifers dominate Central Europe's forest ecosystem, but climate change is causing shifts in tree species distribution and making it necessary to consider alternative tree species [2] [5]. Here are some alternative tree species for Central Europe:
- Ailanthus altissima (Tree of Heaven): This deciduous tree species is increasing its dominance in forest communities and causing additional adaptation of the forest ecosystem [2].
- Pseudotsuga menziesii (Douglas Fir): This is a coniferous tree species that is increasing its dominance in forest communities and causing additional adaptation of the forest ecosystem [2].
- Abies grandis (Grand Fir): This is a coniferous tree species that is increasing its dominance in forest communities and causing additional adaptation of the forest ecosystem [2].
- Paulownia tomentosa (Paulownia): This deciduous tree species is increasing its dominance in forest communities and causing additional adaptation of the forest ecosystem [2].
- Fagus sylvatica (European Beech): This deciduous tree species has steadily increased its share in Austrian forests and is the dominant deciduous species in Austria [2].
- Betula spp. (Birch): This is a secondary tree species in Central European forests but has high relevance in northern Europe. Due to its excellent technical properties, it has a high potential to substitute Norway spruce in high-performance and building applications [2].
- Abies alba (White Fir): This coniferous tree species would have potential because it occurs together with Norway spruce [2].
These alternative tree species were identified based on their potential to adapt to climate change and defect-free wood properties [2]. Other studies have also identified thermophilic and rare tree species that have the potential to grow in managed European forests [1]. However, it is essential to consider the risks and limits of growing non-native tree species in Europe, as well as the potential impact on tree-species diversity [3] [6].
Growing non-native tree species in European forests can bring benefits and opportunities, but it also has its risks and limits [7] [8] [9] [10] [12]. Here are some benefits and risks of growing non-native tree species in European forests:
| Benefits: | Risks: |
|---|---|
| Non-native tree species can have superior growth, valuable timber properties, and good performance under harsh growing conditions [8] [10]. | Non-native tree species can pose a high risk of attack from pests and pathogens due to a lack of adaptation to European conditions [7] [9]. |
| Non-native tree species can increase the adaptive capacity, biomass production, and carbon sequestration of forests to long-term climate change patterns [6]. | Non-native tree species can spread and negatively impact native ecosystems [7] [9]. |
| Non-native tree species can provide new economic opportunities for forestry and restoration purposes [7] [8]. | Non-native tree species can reduce tree-species diversity [9]. |
It is important to note that the benefits and risks of growing non-native tree species can differ profoundly across Europe, with different species distribution, experiences with success and failures, and environmental concerns [8] [9]. Therefore, it is necessary to assess the potential risks and benefits of growing non-native tree species on a case-by-case basis and to consider the potential impact on tree-species diversity and the environment [7] [9] [12].
Several non-native tree species have been successfully introduced into European forests. Here are some examples:
- Pseudotsuga menziesi (Douglas Fir): This is a coniferous tree species that has been successfully introduced in European forests, particularly in Germany [14] [18].
- Pinus taeda (Loblolly Pine): This coniferous tree species was successfully introduced in European forests, particularly in Portugal [13].
- Black Walnut (Juglans nigra): This is a deciduous tree species that has been successfully introduced in European forests, particularly in France [13].
- Quercus rubra (Red Oak): This deciduous tree species has been successfully introduced in European forests, particularly in Germany [13].
- Sycamore Maple (Acer pseudoplatanus): This deciduous tree species has been successfully introduced in European forests, particularly in the United Kingdom [13].
These non-native tree species have been introduced for various purposes, such as timber production, restoration, and adaptation to climate change [13] [18].
However, it is essential to note that the success of introducing non-native tree species can depend on various factors, such as climate, soil conditions, and pests and diseases [13] [18]. Therefore, it is necessary to assess the potential risks and benefits of growing non-native tree species on a case-by-case basis and to consider the potential impact on tree-species diversity and the environment [13] [18].