According to a recent post on the Arbor Day Foundation blog, the USDA recently updated its plant hardiness map to reflect the potential affect that climate change could have on certain plant species. The hardiness zone keeps track of the average lowest temperature in the various regions of the country, which helps determine the levels of cold-related stress trees and plants are able to withstand.
The Arbor Day Foundation created its own map in 2006 because the USDA map was from 1990 and in need of an update. The foundation’s map revealed that many areas of the country were moving up a zone. The new USDA map resembles the Arbor Day Foundation’s 2006 map rather closely, and shows some interesting changes.
For instance, the map from 1990 shows that the northern parts of Kansas and Missouri fell into Zone 5, and the southern portions in Zone 6. The Arbor Day Foundation’s map from 2006 shows that both Kansas and Missouri mostly fall into Zone 6. The latest issue of the USDA’s plant hardiness zone map shows extreme northern Kansas and Missouri falling into Zone 5b, the mid-sections of each state falling into Zone 6a, and the southern portion of each state falling into Zone 6b. Other interesting changes include parts of Southern California and Florida now falling into Zone 11, a zone that was once only found in Hawaii.
The new USDA plant hardiness zone map is a great resource for finding what types of trees may be a good fit for your yard. You can also use the Arbor Day Foundation’s online nursery to research options specific to your area.
And once you have any new trees planted firmly in the ground, count on Cartwright Tree Care to provide you with expert tree health care and maintenance.
Image screen shot taken at Planthardiness.ars.usda.gov and cropped at Pixlr.com/express.