ABSTRACT Anthropogenic climate warming increased by approximately 1.35°C above pre-industrial levels (1850–1900) by 2021, and if it continues to increase at the current rate, such warming is expected to increase by a further 1.5°C between 2030 and 2052. As a result, many cities around the world are increasingly promoting and encouraging tree-planting initiatives to sequester carbon and mitigate this climate change. The changing climate is expected to shift the geographical distribution of tree species worldwide, and the phrase that such species need to “adapt, move or die” is gaining increased recognition. Thus, many cities have begun planting tree species from more southerly latitudes in their urban parks, streets and other municipal landscapes, particularly as many native tree species are increasingly struggling to adapt to these changes when growing in the city. The urban heat island effect in cities means that they are already ahead of their rural surroundings in terms of climate warming, and therefore they potentially offer suitable climatic conditions for tree species from more southerly latitudes to thrive. In addition, as trees can help to cool their environment, planting them in cities can slow the rate of warming, which in turn provides a better environment for native species to survive for decades to reach reproductive maturity, thus assisting regenerative expansion. This article considers the potential of tree planting in urban areas to assist the poleward migration of tree species in temperate regions. It specifically considers how the concept of the “urban heat island” that has begun to emerge in cities will provide opportunities for the establishment, growth and expansion of tree species from more southerly latitudes, as well as influencing the proposals of the recently introduced Local Nature Recovery Strategies (LNRS).