Many invasive species, insect pests, and pathogens in the Central Appalachians will increase or become more damaging this will particularly affect the dry oak and pine/oak forest and woodland ecosystem.

Increased drought conditions, especially during the growing season, may increase susceptibility to red oak borer, gypsy moth, Armillaria root rot, and other insect pests and diseases. Southern pine beetle outbreaks have been observed in New Jersey and Pennsylvania systems recently, and may increase due to warmer temperatures. Tree-of–heaven, Japanese stiltgrass, multiflora rose, bush honeysuckles, autumn olive and Japanese barberry often out compete native herbs and shrubs in this ecosystem, and are also likely to benefit from warmer temperatures and increased disturbance.