Germany pours: Conference to save urban trees

For several years now, the drought has been causing problems for trees along the streets in many cities. Since the summer of 2018, periods of heat and drought have led to persistent drought stress and increased mortality among both young and old trees, said a spokeswoman for the "Leipzig gießt" initiative. In the trade fair city alone, around 1,600 trees have to be felled every year as a result.

A nationwide conference is to be held this Friday to find solutions. "The aim is to establish a network that promotes the sustainable exchange of knowledge and experience on the preservation of urban trees and at the same time creates impetus for future cooperation," said the spokesperson. In some municipalities, there is already cooperation between city administrations and citizens.

"It is remarkable how the close cooperation between city administrations and committed citizens creates future-oriented solutions for the preservation of our urban trees," said Leipzig's Mayor for Environment and Climate Heiko Rosenthal. He is convinced that the conference will provide valuable impetus for successful cooperation at national level.

Citizens support the municipalities

In some cities, for example, there are "watering groups" or tree sponsorships that help the municipalities and water the trees along the streets. The "Leipzig gießt" initiative had already published an app in 2021 showing all street trees in the trade fair city as well as public water sources.

According to the initiative, young trees are particularly affected. Their roots do not reach deep into the ground and the trees are therefore dependent on moisture in the upper layers. If this is lacking, they experience drought stress, which makes them more susceptible to diseases and pests and significantly reduces their chances of survival. Accordingly, a young tree needs around 80 to 100 liters of water per week during dry periods.