Due to projected decreases in precipitation during summer or fall and increases in temperature throughout the year, some evidence suggests a slight decrease in surface soil moisture in the Central Hardwoods Region over the next century . In addition, total soil moisture is projected to increase during winter and spring and decrease in the late summer and autumn. Even if there are increases in precipitation in the summer, as a few models suggest, increases in evapotranspiration are projected to lead to lowersoil water availability . Even a slight decrease in soil moisture could lead to dramatic declines in tree species, especially broadleaf species. However, model projections vary, and at least one study in Illinois suggests that increases in summer precipitation may be sufficient to offset increases in evapotranspiration.