Wave of vandalism in Landau: unknown people knock down trees!

Wave of vandalism in Landau: unknown people knock down trees!

In recent months, vandalism of trees in the Landau region and beyond has reached alarming proportions. A particularly shocking example comes from Arzheim, where the city of Landau planted around 100 new trees along the new bicycle route in 2025. Unfortunately, this green initiative did not go unchallenged. There have been repeated reports of thefts and deliberate damage to these trees. For example, four trees were stolen in April, while six freshly planted specimens were forcibly pulled out in early May, resulting in dried roots. Another seven trees in the area around the sports field suffered similar fates during the same period. Treetops were also deliberately cut off on the connecting road between Arzheim and Wollmesheim.

The tree species that particularly suffer from these attacks include walnuts, maples and poplars. The city administration has now filed a criminal complaint against unknown persons with the police and Mayor Lukas Hartmann is calling on the public to provide information about the incidents. The material damage caused already amounts to around 2,500 euros and is in the context of a larger project to improve the cycle path, which began in autumn 2024. This spring, a total of 130 new trees were planted along the cycle path and the field path, which now need protection. Pfalz-Express reports on these incidents.

Vandalism is spreading

Similar incidents have not only occurred in Landau. Serious acts of vandalism against fruit trees were also recently reported in the Mühlviertel. On the night of May 2nd to 3rd, 2025, unknown persons found a similar catalog of measures there: fruit trees were sawn, chopped off or processed with branch cutters, which led to considerable damage. This destruction was only noticed on Sunday morning, when the leaves had already wilted. The injured party also filed a criminal complaint with the police. Agrarheute has recorded the details of these disturbing incidents.

The vandalism carried out on trees is not only a loss for the affected communities, but also a threat to our environment. Trees are essential for reducing CO², they cool our environment, provide shade and are a habitat for many endangered animals. As Markus Kern from the civil engineering and green spaces department in Rheinberg mentions, such destruction is not only damage to property, but also an attack on nature.

Joint efforts necessary

In Rheinberg, another hotspot for tree vandalism, there are also current reports of deliberate damage. In the Borth district, several trees were significantly affected. The damage is believed to have been caused by the use of tools such as axes or machetes, and at least one tree will need to be cut down and replaced. The estimated extent of the damage here is around 7,000 euros. These incidents clearly show that we all have a role to play when it comes to protecting our nature. Reporting suspicious activity is just as important as supporting local initiatives to care for and preserve our trees. Rheinberg.de provides information about the reporting options.

It is time for us to take responsibility together and take decisive action against the destruction of trees in our region. An attentive environment and appropriate information from citizens can help immensely.