Help Berlin's young trees: water for a greener tomorrow!

Help Berlin's young trees: water for a greener tomorrow!

In the city where things never stand still, the trees also have a say. There are currently calls in many districts in Berlin for residents to help the young city trees in order to save them from the ongoing drought. These calls are not without reason: Young trees are particularly vulnerable because their root systems are often not yet strong enough to find water on their own. The Senate Department for Climate Protection and the Environment emphasizes that you cannot overdo watering, because large trees need far more water than a few buckets can provide. Responsibility for irrigation generally lies with the roads and green spaces authorities, but in Berlin there are numerous districts that urgently need the support of their citizens in order to save the trees and allow them to flourish. The Mitte district, for example, regularly calls for help with watering. Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg also has practical tips for irrigation and a creative soil moisture light that shows when it's time to get out the garden hose.

But what does the ideal casting practice look like? Experts recommend watering the young trees thoroughly once or twice a week. Between 75 and 100 liters per watering cycle should ideally be available. Watering in the morning or evening has the advantage that the soil can absorb the water better. In Neukölln, additional watering is still welcome and many districts work with the “Gieß den Kiez” platform to document the condition and age of the city’s trees. There, residents also have the opportunity to exchange important information about caring for the trees and organize watering events.

Signs and responsibility

For those who like to look at the trees, there are some clear signs that the trees need help: curled or dropped leaves, bare branches or thinning crowns are a clear signal that the city trees are suffering from drought. And this is not an isolated case - in the last three years around 6,000 street trees have been felled in Berlin every year, which represents an alarming increase of around 20 percent. That's why it's even more important to protect and support the trees that are still alive.

In Cologne, for example, there are around 80,000 street trees and around 1,400 tree sponsorships that are already equipped with water bags for irrigation. Nevertheless, overall precipitation in Germany remains devastatingly low. In June, an average of only around 90 liters per square meter fell, although many regions, such as parts of Brandenburg and Saxony, even had to make do with less than 15 liters. Uwe Buckendahl, who is actively involved in the “Gieß den Kiez” initiative, has taken on the task of supplying the trees in Leipzig with water three times a week. An exemplary commitment that also has an inspiring effect in other cities.

Long-term solutions

But what are the long-term solutions to the challenges posed by climate change? Berlin relies on better care, climate-robust tree species and more space for urban greenery. Long-term research is necessary to identify suitable tree species that can withstand the extreme conditions of inner-city streets. The goal is a resilient street tree population that can withstand future heat waves. To do this, the approach is “hardening instead of pampering” and experimenting with new, resistant varieties that are not only equipped to withstand drought, but also against pests.

In summary, it can be said that citizens in many cities are being asked to take responsibility more than ever - for ourselves and the trees that surround us. Every drop counts and through community action, a green city can be created that will remain livable in the future. Whether through regular watering, helping to design tree panels or by supporting initiatives such as “Gieß den Kiez” – the well-being of city trees is now also in the hands of local residents. Because what would the cityscape be without our green friends who provide shade and clean the air?