Overview

• Over half of urban trees in Germany were damaged during the heatwaves of 2019 and 2020, with up to a third of young trees dying, costing up to €5,000 per tree.
• Key stressors include extreme heat, drought, aging post-war plantings, and competition for underground space with infrastructure like pipes and subways.
• Researchers model that a 30% increase in urban tree canopy could reduce extreme heat hours by 64% and water runoff by 58%, highlighting the ecosystem benefits of urban trees.
• Native species such as beech and spruce are struggling under climate stress, while 'climate-trees' like plane and silver lime show greater resilience but raise biodiversity concerns.
• Experts urge cities to invest in long-term monitoring, root-friendly planning, community tree sponsorships, and increased funding to ensure urban forest sustainability.