The article goes on to talk about research into suitable species for various climates and soil types etc.

Well, I am sure that we can always learn more, but arboriculturists and foresters have been doing this literally for centuries. There are very well known species lists precisely for this kind of work, and if we are talking about native species, particularly, then anyone who has been working in these fields will know them off the top of their heads. It us not exactly difficult or cutting edge.