Centre for Global Wood Security Seminar by Dr Manuel Esperon-Rodriguez, Bangor University

Urban trees are increasingly exposed to extreme heat and drought, while the consequences of species failure extend beyond tree replacement costs to the loss of shade, cooling, biodiversity and other benefits for communities. Selecting resilient species therefore requires more than identifying trees that perform well under current conditions. This talk will explore how species’ climate of origin and plant functional traits can help us understand and anticipate their responses to heat and drought. Drawing on research across urban tree species, it will consider why some species maintain canopy health, survive extreme events and recover rapidly, whereas others experience severe dieback, prolonged stress or mortality. Attention will be given to traits linked to drought and heat response, including wood density, leaf characteristics, hydraulic thresholds, and strategies of drought avoidance versus drought tolerance. The talk will also consider the strengths and limitations of using climate envelopes and functional traits to guide urban tree selection. Traits can help identify potentially resilient or vulnerable species, but their value depends on site conditions, soil volume, irrigation, maintenance, and the interaction of multiple climate stresses. The aim is to move towards a more evidence-based approach to species selection, helping municipal tree managers build diverse urban forests that remain healthy and functional as climates change.

Manuel is an ecologist specialising in the effects of climate change on urban forests and plant function. His research combines spatial analysis, ecological modelling, and large datasets to inform climate adaptation and urban biodiversity conservation. At Bangor University, he works with cities and communities to support the design of greener, more resilient urban environments.

Picture of  Parque Tangamanga I, San Luis Potosí, S.L.P., México, by Edgar Cavazos on Unsplash