Green Metropolis by the Water - Hamburg plants more trees than expected for the first time
For the first time since the start of the "My Tree - My City" project, the city of Hamburg planted more new street trees last year than had to be felled. There were 2,154 plantings compared to 1,812 fellings, as the environmental department in Hamburg reported. This represents a plus of 342 newly planted street trees. The district with the best balance was Wandsbek, with a plus of 481 trees.
Environment Senator proud of enormous achievement
At the same time, the total stock continues to grow continuously, stated Environment Senator Jens Kerstan (Greens) in a statement. "This is an enormous achievement, which I am very proud of. The preservation of the stock remains a challenge in the face of the demands of a growing metropolis like Hamburg and increasing pressures and damages from climate change." When Kerstan took office, the deficit in street trees was still in the four-digit range. "We have been able to continuously reverse this very negative balance in recent years and ensure that our city remains the green metropolis on the water."
Therefore, there are now almost 228,900 trees in the Hanseatic City. Roughly 30,000 of them are already over 80 years old.
Jens Kerstan commended the significant improvement in the city's tree population, as Hamburg planted 2,154 new street trees last year while only felling 1,812, leading to a net gain of 342 trees. This positive trend was particularly evident in Wandsbek, where a net increase of 481 trees was recorded. Despite the challenges posed by the city's growth and climate change, Kerstan expressed hope that Hamburg would continue to maintain its status as a "green metropolis on the water." Despite the numerous older trees in the city, with around 30,000 already over 80 years old, the total number of street trees in Hamburg has now reached nearly 228,900. This growth in the urban forest is a testament to the city's commitment to preserving and nurturing its natural environment, even amidst the demands of urban development and climate change.
