Future-oriented design and planting choice

Sustainable development of public and private spaces is not only about the choice of materials and their sustainable production, it is also primarily about future-oriented design and planting choice. Again and again it is the art of looking closely at nature and creating a balance where nature sustains itself and can continue to evolve. The individuality and diversity of nature form the starting point from this perspective. As regards planting choice, this means, for example, that the natural growth and the natural conditions at the growing location of the tree should be taken into account. In this way the planting will flourish best now and in the future; and the desired green experience will be guarantee not only in the short term but also in the long term.

Looking for urban trees for the future

The widely planted urban trees such as the small-leaved lime, European ash, common or Norway maple, chestnut and plane are suffering more and more from stress factors linked to the urban environment. These include soil sealing, restricted root space, mechanical damage to roots and crown, high heat reflection from buildings, emissions of pollutants and stress from urine and salt. Added to these there are the increasingly obvious consequences of climate change.

In the Urban Greenery 2021 project new and previously little used varieties of trees are being tested for heat, drought and frost resistance over twelve years.