Berlin forest still unhealthy: only slight improvements
The condition of Berlin's forests remains critical despite slight improvements. The level is as poor as in 2019 to 2021, the Senate Environment Department announced on Wednesday with a view to the 2023 Forest Condition Report. According to the report, only six percent of forest trees were healthy, which is slightly more than in the previous year. 64 percent were slightly damaged and 30 percent significantly damaged. This can mean, for example, that trees have lost many needles or leaves. "The drought stress load on forests has increased in recent decades", the report emphasizes. A "record low" was recorded in the previous year.
For the report, random samples of the surrounding trees are examined at around 40 locations every summer. According to the report, the situation is particularly bad for Berlin's most important deciduous tree, the oak: "No oak tree was recorded in this year's forest condition survey without damage," explained the Senate Environment Department. In 2022, it was still five percent. The rate of dead trees has also reached a new high: compared to the previous year, it has more than tripled from 0.41 percent to 1.56 percent. This is a result of the many years with too little rain. Here too, oak trees are particularly affected.
"Climatic conditions are changing too quickly for our forest ecosystems to adapt naturally," the report states. Although the spring and summer of 2023 brought average rainfall apart from a few dry spells, this did not compensate for the deficit that had built up since 2018. In addition, the average temperatures and sunshine duration were above the long-term average: As a result, more water evaporated, which had an impact on the soil water reservoir. Further signs of dieback are to be expected as a result.
"The vitality of Berlin's forest trees continues to suffer greatly from the effects of the climate crisis," said Senator for the Environment Manja Schreiner (CDU) in a statement. In order to drive forward the conversion to climate-stable mixed deciduous forests, large numbers of deciduous trees are to be planted again this winter. Around 500,000 trees have been announced - mainly sessile oaks, beeches, hornbeams, small-leaved lime trees, elms and maples.
Despite the slight improvements, Berlin's forests continue to struggle with poor climate conditions. The report reveals that the forest's health is closely linked to the changing climate, and oak trees, Berlin's most important deciduous tree, are particularly affected.
Source: www.dpa.com
