Climate change, extreme weather, violent rainstorms or prolonged dry periods, these are questions which require our living environment to be structured differently. A more secure environment with trees which are resistant to the conditions of the future: climate trees; and trees with an impact on the climate.
Urban trees for the future and trees for ecology occupy a special place in this category of trees.
Characteristic features of climate trees:
Most trees do not die immediately from drought or heat. The trees are weakened as a result of many years of drought, heat stress and UV radiation, which provide an opportunity for insects and diseases. Invasive diseases and pests are increasing as a result of globalisation. Trees which are resistant to these include Acer campestre 'Elsrijk', Acer x freemanii 'Jeffersred', Alnus x spaethii, Gleditsia triacanthos 'Green Glory' or Tilia cordata 'Greenspire'.
Heavy downpours mean that the roots of trees are sometimes standing under water for days. Not all trees can withstand this. Therefore, in areas where this is happening more frequently, we opt for tree varieties which are resistant to a prolonged high water level, as this also occurs in their natural habitat. These include Nyssa sylvatica, Fraxinus pennsylvanica ‘Summit’ or Platanus x hispanica ‘Malburg’.
Research shows that air pollution harms the health of trees. For example, an excess of nitrogen which gets into the soil water via precipitation means that trees do not grow so well. The same applies for road salt, which results in trees having to cope with high salt levels in the water taken up through the roots. This hinders the absorption of water by the tree roots, which means that moisture deficiencies occur at an earlier stage.
On a global scale, but certainly also in our own urban environment, trees with their ecosystem services are an answer to the effects of climate change. They contribute to the natural balance in the built environment. Trees with impact therefore have a positive effect on the environment.
Clean the air because they capture particulate matter, convert high concentrations of CO2 into oxygen and filter ozone, nitrogen dioxide and VOCs.
Provide cooling through their shade and by evaporation.
Make a significant contribution to biodiversity in towns and cities. Trees provide food, habitat, protection and nesting sites for insects, birds, small mammals and mosses.
Create social meeting places. More trees, more nature promotes people’s well-being and makes the world a nicer place to live. Public outdoor spaces are increasingly becoming a natural play and discovery area.
Trees are the key to the liveable city of the future. They make a significant contribution to the natural balance in the built environment. At local level, trees in town and cities have effects which are vitally important for creating a liveable future-proof city. Depending on the conditions, we have the choice of different planting sites in a city. One place will require more measures than another.
Urban trees for the future
Sustainable planting projects – and trees in particular – make a significant contribution to the natural balance in the built environment. The use of ecologically interesting trees provides a safe and protected habitat for animal species in urban areas or the rural environment.
Trees and ecology
