A recent study shows that trees in New York City, Boston, and Baltimore, Maryland, are more severely affected by heat waves and drought than trees of the same species in nearby rural forests. The urban trees in the three cities were more severely affected by heat waves and drought compared to rural trees. In addition, the growth rates and carbon storage capacity of urban trees are significantly reduced during extreme weather conditions. The growth of oak trees, but not red maple trees, in the urban areas of Boston and New York City were more severely affected by heat stress than that of their rural counterparts. However, such urban-rural differences in the growth of oak trees were not observed in Maryland. The harsh urban environment, characterized by hotter, drier conditions and higher pollution levels, exacerbates the vulnerability of urban trees to climate stress. The results highlight the challenges facing urban trees in the context of climate change and underscore the importance of tailored urban forestry as a tool to protect tree species and reduce urban heat islands. As cities continue to grapple with the impacts of climate change, the study offers important insights into how the health of urban trees and the ecosystem services they provide could be at risk.