Some of the common tree species in transition hardwood forests are projected to have similar or increased habitat, including black cherry and yellow-poplar.

This forest system contains several 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 these species, such as sugar maple and eastern white pine are likely to increase or remain stable in suitable habitat and biomass under a mild climate scenario but may fare worse under a hotter, drier future climate scenario. Several species that are at the middle or northern edge of their range are present in lower abundances and may increase, such as black cherry and yellow poplar. Red maple is not modeled to change substantially, but its current abundance, biological traits, and ability to respond to disturbance suggest that it may increase.