High productivity of tree species planted outside their current geographic range indicates large regions of unrealized niche space.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Reforestation efforts that utilize assisted range expansion in response to climate change require an enhanced understanding of tree species' fundamental niches as well as potential interactions with local species when planted in novel environments.

Methods

Using height-age modeling and dendrochronological approaches, we analyzed height and radial growth data from 25 disparate experimental plantings of three temperate zone conifer species (Douglas-fir, western larch and ponderosa pine) in environments north of, and colder than, their current geographic range in British Columbia, Canada, to explore how these types of trials can provide important insights into tree species' fundamental niches in regions that lack comprehensive, replicated experiments.

Results an

SUBMITTER: Griesbauer H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12424236 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature