Answer: Trees generally have a very good ability to adapt and since most indigenous species in Denmark are already growing in their most northern distribution range, and simply cannot grow further north because it is too cold, a slight temperature increase should not be a problem for them. However, conifers will be more exposed, because they are vulnerable to storms and will be weakened by less precipitation in summer. For Norway spruce, which covers 19% of forest land in Denmark, increases in temperature could be critical.

Answer: Less summer rain will weaken most tree species and will cause problems in particular in areas with sandy soils and where the ability to retain water is therefore poor, as in western Jutland, for example. Here, coniferous forests with a  relatively superficial root system will be most vulnerable.

Answer: Mixed forests are best suited to withstand climate change. A mixed forest is a forest with two or several tree species with differing abilities to adapt to the expected changes in temperature, precipitation, storm frequency and pests.   The cultivation methods which best safeguard the forest against climate change are more or less identical to the principles of close-to-nature forest management, which e.g. aims at maintaining a permanent forest climate by avoiding clearcutting large areas at one time. Close-to-nature forest management also ensures a natural equilibrium between the forest’s biological inhabitants, including pests, and so creates greater biodiversity and minimises the need for pesticides.