Magdeburg's trees in danger: heat and drought demand help!

Magdeburg's trees in danger: heat and drought demand help!

In recent years, a worrying trend has emerged in many cities: urban trees are increasingly struggling against the effects of heat and drought. This is also the case in Magdeburg, where the “Magdeburg pours” platform was launched. The digital map shows thirsty trees in the city, including tree species, age and the locations of water pumps, which help citizens to actively combat the drought. Loud MDR The city irrigates around 4,200 endangered city trees every day with around 60,000 liters of water. Each tree receives an average of 100 liters to counteract the ongoing lack of water.

Young trees in particular suffer because their roots do not yet reach deep enough to reach the groundwater. Of the over 82,000 city trees in Magdeburg, only around 20,000 trees have information on tree species and age, which makes help even more difficult. The initiative is captivating more and more citizens: more than 130 waterers are already committed to the well-being of the trees and document their water consumption via the platform. The project is supported by, among others, Code for Magdeburg and Baumfreunde Magdeburg.

Tree death is a serious problem

The phenomenon that can be observed in Magdeburg does not stand alone. The BUND Leipzig highlights that many cities in Saxony-Anhalt face similar challenges. The death of trees due to persistent drought is perhaps the biggest enemy of a green city at the moment. In the meantime, people have begun to think about replanting after many old trees fell victim to climate change.

However, a certain risk remains: the introduction of non-native tree species from dry regions can have a negative impact on the local fauna and flora. The problem becomes all the more explosive when you consider that long-term drought stress weakens trees and makes them more susceptible to disease. In particular, ring-pored tree species such as oak and ash are increasingly threatened, and damage caused by conspicuous insect proliferation can have fatal consequences.

Measures for adaptation and shaping the future

In order to effectively meet the challenges of climate change, a strategic approach is required. The Federal Environment Agency suggests that the future choice of tree species should be geared to changing urban climatic conditions. A detailed analysis of the location factors and a suitable selection of tree species could significantly extend the lifespan of urban plants.

The urban tree concept, which is being implemented in Jena, among others, has already achieved remarkable results: over 160 suitable tree species have been identified that are better able to withstand the environmental conditions. Such concepts are necessary in order to preserve attractive, green living spaces in our cities in the long term. However, the test balloon ends at the limits of innovation; adherence to established species does not always fit into visions of the future, making adaptation processes difficult and potentially taking decades.

So the situation is clear: something is going on! A green and livable Cologne not only requires a cool head, but also active support from the citizens. Do you already have an idea of ​​the important role you could play? Maybe sponsor a watering ceremony for your tree in the park?