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Extreme Heat, Dry Summers Main Cause Of Tree Deaths In Colorado's Subalpine Forests

BOULDER, Colo. (CBS4)- Extreme heat and dry summers are the main cause of tree deaths in Colorado's subalpine forests. That's according to research from the University of Colorado Boulder.

cu tree death 3 (Robert Andrus)
(credit: Robert Andrus)

The research looked at tree deaths in subalpine forests that cover more than 10,000 square miles in Colorado.

CU Tree Heat Death 1 (subalpine forest from Niwot Ridge west of Boulder. Credit Robert Andrus)
(credit: Robert Andrus)

Tree deaths have more than tripled since the 1980s due to hot and dry conditions, even in the absence of bark beetle outbreaks and fires.

CU tree death 2 (Robert Andrus)
(credit: Robert Andrus)

The lead author of the study at Washington State University says that it is an early warning sign of climate change.

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