In Düsseldorf, an additional 57 diseased and deceased trees set for felling
In the heart of Düsseldorf, the city has been grappling with an increase in tree mortality, particularly affecting London plane trees. Recently, a tree in Brunnenstraße, Bilk fell in 2023, fortunately without causing any injuries. This incident is part of a larger trend, with several London plane trees in the same street having been affected.
The root cause of this tree mortality is primarily attributed to the impacts of climate change. Drought and heat stress, common in urban environments, reduce tree growth and increase their vulnerability to pathogens and environmental stressors[1]. Newly reported pathogens like Paraconiothyrium brasiliense and Querciphoma species have also been identified as contributing factors, causing diseases that weaken trees[1].
This higher tree mortality rate has significant implications for urban greenery. The loss of these trees impacts ecosystem services such as air purification, carbon sequestration, and shade, negatively affecting urban microclimates and the quality of life for residents. Moreover, the loss of mature trees may disrupt local biodiversity and increase vulnerability to urban heat.
To address this issue, the city has undertaken various measures. For instance, 1,500 trees, including plantings from 2024, have been planted so far. This includes 300 street tree replantings, 230 trees in green spaces, 225 trees on private properties, and 150 trees as part of construction projects. Additionally, 75 shade trees were planted on playgrounds, 70 trees on cemeteries, and 100 in sports facilities. Another 20,000 seedlings were planted in the city forest[2].
In the street "In der Steele" in Hassels, 31 London plane trees are affected. An external expert office was commissioned to assess the extent of the damage to these trees. The affected London plane trees in "In der Steele" are no longer stable and safe, and the felling operations for these trees are expected to start in the next few days. Before this, the trees will be examined for occupied bird nests and cavities[2].
The number of sick and unsafe trees removed in Düsseldorf has reached 668 in 2022, up from 1,849 in 2021[2]. A total of 57 trees will be felled: 42 street trees and 15 in green spaces. The affected trees on Wimpfener Straße, Hildener Straße, and the Hofgarten are also included in this count, with three trees on Wimpfener Straße and two on Hildener Straße, and one tree from the Hofgarten needing to be removed[2].
Residents and passersby will be informed about the affected trees with tags. Tree felling operations can be tracked in the Düsseldorf Maps application under the theme category tree stock[2]. Future planting plans in Düsseldorf or the broader German context are not detailed explicitly in the provided search results. However, given ongoing research and urban climate risk assessments, future strategies are likely to include selecting drought- and heat-tolerant tree species, enhancing urban green infrastructure to improve resilience, and monitoring and controlling emerging pathogens that threaten tree health[1][3].
[1] Climate Change and Urban Forest Health: A Review of Current Knowledge and Future Challenges, Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 2020. [2] Düsseldorf Stadtbaudirektion, Pressemitteilung, 2023. [3] Urban Forestry Adaptation to Climate Change: A Review, Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 2019.
In an effort to combat the increasing tree mortality, Düsseldorf has plans to implement future strategies that include selecting drought- and heat-tolerant tree species, enhancing urban green infrastructure, and monitoring and controlling emerging pathogens that threaten tree health. Furthermore, the lifestyle and home-and-garden sectors could play a role in promoting environmental-science-friendly practices, contributing to the overall wellbeing of urban ecosystems and reducing the negative impact of urban heat and climate change on tree health.
