Conservationists call for more consideration for trees

Maintenance instead of clear-cutting: The Friends of the Earth Germany (BUND) in Dresden has called for more consideration for trees and shrubs. "Experience shows that most trees in the city are felled between the end of January and March. Not all felling is legal or necessary," BUND announced on Wednesday. The reason for the increase is the start of the bird protection season.

The association pointed out that trees may only be felled until the end of October with a special permit from the Environment Agency. Irrespective of this protection period, the city's tree protection statutes apply all year round. According to this, deciduous and coniferous trees with a trunk circumference of 30 centimetres or more may only be felled in exceptional cases and with permission. The statute also applies to large shrubs, climbing plants and hedges above a certain size. Unfortunately, this is repeatedly disregarded.

"It is now more important than ever to better protect trees and shrubs in Dresden. On the one hand, we need more greenery in the city for quality of life, climate adaptation and the protection and promotion of biodiversity. On the other hand, the extreme weather conditions of recent years have affected many trees and shrubs in Dresden," emphasized Daniel Blume, head of BUND Dresden. The removal of trees should therefore not be a frivolous option.

According to BUND, older trees are particularly valuable. "They not only characterize the townscape, but also provide shade, mitigate heat waves and store CO2." To compensate for these functions of a tree with a crown diameter of 20 meters, around 400 young trees are needed. "This cannot be achieved with any replacement planting. Accordingly, old and middle-aged trees need special protection." Unfortunately, bushes are also being massively destroyed as they are not protected. Yet they are very important for the diversity of animal species.