Dispute over trees: Can young plants thrive in Drosedower Weg?

Dispute over trees: Can young plants thrive in Drosedower Weg?

In Wesenberg, the city council's latest decision is causing a lot of excitement. Ernst Firmont, a committed citizen, is upset about the felling of four stately, 100-year-old locust trees in the adjacent cemetery. This meant that a piece of nature was lost, which not only had a lasting impact on the surrounding area but also on the cityscape. The city justifies this step with necessary maintenance work and traffic safety, but the locals have a different feeling about it. In a direct connection to this, several young trees were planted on Drosedower Weg, but concerns about their development are increasing.

What is at stake? The newly planted trees, which could reach heights of 20 to 30 meters, virtually “stick” to the old stands. This was viewed as unfortunate by city officials and experts. District spokesman Nils Henke has already made it clear that the trees along the district road are the responsibility of the municipality, which further fuels the discussion. Mayor Steffen Rißmann (CDU) stated that the planners should have examined the situation on site more closely. And what does Firmont suggest? The young trees could be planted on the opposite side of the street, where there would be enough space for their healthy development.

Environment and residents

The importance of trees for the urban climate cannot be overemphasized. They produce oxygen, filter dust and pollutants, and provide humidity, which is particularly valuable in densely populated areas. However, a permit may be necessary if trees are to be felled or modified. The felling ban, which applies between March 1st and September 30th, further restricts such measures. Given the current situation in Wesenberg, it remains to be seen how the residents will react and whether they are prepared to accept the falling leaves of the newly planted trees.

It is important that the discussion about urban planning not only affects the trees themselves, but also has a lasting impact on the city and townscape. As the Senate in Berlin states, there are challenges with felled trees that could not be replaced. In the capital, the quality of life is suffering from a loss of trees, and alternative sources of financing such as donations are needed to ensure the preservation of street trees in the area of ​​tension between people and nature. Firmont is also prepared to help the community financially to make new plants possible.

The idea of ​​respectful interaction between urban development and the green lungs of urban space requires creative solutions. Let's be curious to see whether those responsible in Wesenberg show a good hand and find a sustainable solution that not only meets the wishes of the citizens, but also the ecological conditions.

For further information, see the website of SVZ, Hessen.de and berlin.de available.