Disturbances such as wildfire, flooding, and pest outbreaks are expected to increase in the future. Forests that are adapted to gap-phase disturbances, with stand-replacing events occurring over hundreds or thousands of years, may be less tolerant of more frequent widespread disturbances. Mesic hardwood forests can create conditions that could buffer against fire and drought to some extent, but these systems are not expected to do well if soil moisture declines significantly. Forest systems that are more tolerant of drought, flooding, or fire are expected to be better able to withstand climate-driven disturbances. This principle holds true only to a given point, because it is also possible for disturbance-adapted systems to experience too much disruption. For example, dry pine forests and woodlands might benefit from drier conditions with more frequent fire, but these systems might also convert to savannas or open grasslands if fire becomes too frequent or drought becomes too severe.