Many of the dominant tree species in central hardwood-pine forests are projected to have similar or increased habitat, including black, chestnut, scarlet, and white oak and pignut and shagbark hickory.

This forest system contains many tree species that are tolerant of warmer temperatures and are located in the central to northern portion of their range in New England and northern New York. Multiple forest impact models tend to agree that a large number of tree species found in these locations are generally expected to be able to persist on these sites into the future, including black, chestnut, scarlet, and white oak and pignut and shagbark hickory. These species may also potentially expand to new areas as conditions become suitable. At the same time, when extremely hot and dry conditions prevail, species establishment may be impaired for these trees in southern and coastal New England.