Goslar protects its trees: this is how we keep our city green!

Goslar protects its trees: this is how we keep our city green!

In the picturesque city of Goslar, around 12,500 trees grow that shape the cityscape and fulfill important functions. These green giants are not only an eye -catcher, they also play a significant role for the microclimate and the quality of life in the region. Over the years, it has been shown that trees contribute significantly to the cooling of the city centers and act as a natural emission filter. This has caused the city administration to take measures to take tree protection that have become even more important in the course of climate change. According to the information from Goslar.de, almost a third of these trees are over 60 years old, although younger trees, which are under 15 years old, also play a subordinate role in only six percent of the total stock.

A look at the tree species tells us that maple, linden, oak and chestnut represent the prevailing types. Most of these municipal tree monuments can be found in the impressive old town as well as in popular places such as Rammelsberg, Georgenberg, Oker and Vienenburg. It is a fact that the care of the trees is not only important for aesthetic reasons, but also serves security. The controls through trained staff are regularly carried out: street and green space trees are examined every nine months, while the location of trees is checked in playgrounds and in daycare centers every six months.

The challenges of climate change

The persistent change in the climate not only affects the general weather conditions, but also makes the location conditions more challenging for our city trees. "City and street trees have an invaluable value for the microclimate," explains the Federal Environment Agency in a comprehensive report. The extreme conditions that are exposed to these trees contain soil compression by vehicles, air and soil pollutants as well as road salt and artificial light, which can significantly restrict their lifespan. Many tree species are already fighting with the changes and only reaching half of their potential age.

A clever selection of suitable tree species and suitable locations is essential to meet the challenges of climate change. The city tree concept must therefore take climate change into account as a central factor. An investigation that is carried out for the climate control period from 2071 to 2100 is intended to help deliver future -proof recommendations for tree species that are important in the steadily changing urban environment. In Jena, for example, such a concept has already been successfully implemented, which includes a list of 160 suitable tree species and offers concrete tree species recommendations that could also be adopted in Goslar.

important functions of city trees

The ecosystem services of city trees are diverse. In addition to improving the microclimate, you also contribute to carbon storage and reducing the rainwater outflow. With regard to climate change, these services become more important, because the need for green oases in urban rooms is becoming increasingly pressing. Innovative projects such as the interactive guide for city trees from Bavaria show how to simulate the growth of city trees and adapt to different conditions with process models. These approaches could not only help the city of Goslar, but also other cities in northern Germany that want to manage their green areas.

The city sees itself as a responsible for the preservation and maintenance of her high diversity, which not only ensures quality of life in the central parts of the city, but also in the outskirts. Trees are also an integral part of city life in Hahnenklee, Baßgeige and Jerstedt, as are the 265 trees in Hahndorf. The efforts to preserve these natural monuments are of great importance not only in the interest of the citizens, but also for the balance of urban ecosystems.

Overall, it turns out that the city of Goslar has a good hand to cope with the challenges of climate change and at the same time maintain the beauty and importance of its urban tree landscapes. Sustainable handling of its resources will continue to keep the city worth living in the future.