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Tree species selection

Last updated on February 24, 2026

British Columbia's forests are home to many tree species that can be affected by climate change and other forest health issues. Through an effective species selection process, tree species are selected for reforestation based on characteristics most likely to lead to healthy tree growth and resilient forests.

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Resilient species selection 

When considering trees for reforestation projects, it is important to select species that will be successful in the both the existing climate and resilient to climate change. As an example, warm and dry areas of the province are likely to become even warmer and dryer making them less suitable for some species but better for others. In other regions, elevations and latitudes that were once too cold for some tree species may become habitable.

Unfortunately, the pace of climate change can exceed a tree species natural ability to migrate. When this condition occurs, or is anticipated to occur, predicting a tree species' success in a changed climate can allow for assisted migration which accelerates tree migration through human effort.

The Ministry of Forests has developed tools to assist in predicting which species may have better success in a changing climate.

Climate Change Informed Species Selection tool

The Ministry of Forests has developed the Climate Change Informed Species Selection (CCISS) tool to assist in predicting tree species suitability across British Columbia in the face of a changing climate. CCISS uses geographical information, biogeoclimatic zones and other data for tree selection based of variety of tree characteristics including tolerance of environmental factors (heat, frost, drought, etc) and resistance to environmental, pest or pathogen damage.

Forest health and species selection

Forest health consideration must also play a part in the selection of tree species. An awareness of current pathogens and pests that can have effects at both a stand and landscape level is important in planning future forests. The Field Guide to Forest Damage in B.C. (PDF, 6.5MB) describes potential threats that are both native and invasive to British Columbia.

Visit the forest health section for more information about pest and pathogens including potential treatment activities.