Using dendroclimatic analysis of exotic deciduous conifers in an arboretum to document tree growth in response to climate change, Northeast Ohio, USA

Societal Impact Statement Rising temperatures and wetter conditions in the Midcontinent of North America are influencing climate responses in trees. Dendroclimatological analyses of four exotic deciduous conifer species from Secrest Arboretum, Northeast Ohio help identify past, present, and future climate‐tree interactions. Analyses suggest that two larch species have changed their response to climate, whereas dawn redwoods and bald cypress trees are well suited for the present and future climate. This study elucidates tree responses to climate gleaned from a largely untapped source of tree growth in arboreta that can be more broadly applied at other sites as well as facilitate forest management decisions. Summary Dendroclimatic analysis of arboretum grown trees is an underutilized tool that can yield vital information on the climate response of exotic tree species. Four species of exotic deciduous conifers growing in Secrest Arboretum, Wooster, Northeast Ohio (NEO), USA, over the past century offer a unique opportunity to examine the climate response of trees growing in climates outside their natural ranges. This dendroclimatic study of well‐replicated ring‐width series coupled with comparisons of tree growth with monthly climate records provides information into those exotic species that may be well suited for plantings in NEO. Results show that the two larch species from Asia and Europe ( Larix decidua and Larix gmelinii [Rupr.] Kuzen) have been limited primarily by summer precipitation, although this relationship is fading since a wetting trend began in the mid‐1970s. Exotic stands of bald cypress from the American Southeast ( Taxodium distichum ) and dawn redwood from China ( Metasequoia glyptostroboides ) maintain a positive robust precipitation response that persists through the present, in contrast to the larch. Dawn redwood are also limited by maximum summer temperature, which could intervene to limit their growth in the future. Bald cypress' positive temperature and precipitation response makes it adaptive to NEO climate trends consistent with the native range of the species. Taken together, this study on deciduous conifers is an example of tree response to climate gleaned from a largely untapped source of tree growth in arboreta that can be more broadly applied at other sites.