The climate is changing right in our own backyards

A maple tree showing damage from winter moths. /David Schwartz

The discussion of climate change has been framed as a political argument dividing us into two opposing camps. The landscape is, on all levels, going through a very dynamic change. The winter that seems to be ending prematurely is one of the mildest on record. It was a welcome change from the never-ending snow cover of last winter.

In my role as a plant manager, my goal is to provide a positive result for my clients so that they will continue to use my services. Designing and maintaining a successful landscape entails understanding the conditions that the plants will encounter during the coming years. Choosing the right plant for the right place just became infinitely more difficult. The Plant Hardiness Zones, which let us know which plants are appropriate for a certain area, was last redone 22 years ago. It had to be redone this year. Rhode Island remains in the 6a-6b zone, but we are edging upward. The scientists that are involved say that these zones will probably have to be redone every 10 years going forward.

The insect and disease cycles are a constant challenge. Eight years ago, the winter moth made an appearance in Rhode Island. This ravenous defoliator has the widest host range of any insect that I have ever encountered. It is easier to tell someone what it does not eat than what it does.

Our weather patterns have become more extreme. A few years ago, we were encountering floods. Last year, the severe drought nearly emptied the ponds near my home in Coventry.

In designing landscapes, my plant palette has to change to account for less soil moisture and the possible arrival of some malevolent insect that is waiting in the wings.

Proper site evaluation becomes critical as the pieces of the landscape puzzle are morphing into different entities.

One thing that remains unchanged is the enjoyment that we get from our plants.

DAVID SCHWARTZ is the owner of Schwartz Tree Care, Cranston.