Tree bank prepares for the climate of the future

Lime and oak are the predominant tree species lining the streets of Espoo. If these tree species were to be hit by a devastating plant disease or pest, Espoo could quickly lose a large part of its urban canopy. 

“Climate change brings new plant diseases and pests that could take a significant toll on our uniform street tree species,” says Sari Turkka, Garden Manager at the City of Espoo.

To address this issue, Espoo City Garden’s tree bank is presently experimenting with and growing tree species imported from Asia and North America. They are expected to thrive in the future growth conditions of southern Finland, which may resemble the current conditions in Central Europe.

New species will be introduced to the city’s streets and parks in several stages over the coming years. 

“We don’t intend to replace the existing tree species. Instead, the aim is to diversify the range of trees and improve the resilience of urban nature,” Turkka explains. 

The city’s residents can also consider introducing new tree species to their gardens, depending on the conditions at the site. However, it is generally unwise to replace an existing, healthy tree with a new sapling, as it takes a long time for a tree to grow.

Text: Susanna Cygnel.

This article was originally published in the Espoo-lehti magazine 1/2026. Read other Espoo-lehti articles.

Read also an aricle Your garden can be a sanctuary for nature about Espoo’s nature-wise gardens’ competition.