The influence of weather conditions on the radial growth of the exotic Thuja plicata and the native Picea abies in southern Germany

摘要

Current climate change projections predict general warming and altered seasonal distribution of precipitation as well as increased occurance of extreme weather conditions in Central Europe. It is unclear if and how well native tree species can cope with these changes. The commercially most important tree species in Central Europe is Picea abies (Norway spruce). According to our current knowledge, P. abies is particularly affected by climate change. It is expected to be less relevant for forestry in many regions in the future. Non-native tree species may be increasingly necessary in future forestry. In this context, it is particularly interesting whether the North American Thuja plicata (western redcedar) is a suitable species for stable forests in future Central Europe.