Planting trees in Germany
How useful is it to plant climate-resistant trees to combat climate change and what needs to be considered when reforesting in Germany?
Why plant trees for climate change?
Trees are our allies in the fight against the climate crisis and one of the most important natural carbon sinks: they storeCO2 and release O2. In addition, forests filter and store drinking water, serve as air filters, noise protection, provide a habitat for many animals and species as well as an important recreational area for us humans.
The problem: the forest is in danger
The Federal Government's Forest Condition Report shows that German forests are in worse shape than ever before. Three out of four trees have sparse crowns. Storms, droughts, heatwaves and the bark beetle as a result of climate change have caused great damage to the forest. In recent years, an area of forest the size of Saarland has died. Only one in five trees is healthy.
Total available area on which trees could grow (current forest stand and area suitable for reforestation). (Image: Crowther Lab / ETH Zurich)
The potential of planting trees
A study by ETH Zurich shows: Planting trees is one of the best measures against the climate crisis. We could reforest an area of 0.9 billion hectares worldwide, which could absorb two thirds of man-madeCO2 emissions. An area the size of the USA that could absorb around 205 billion tons of carbon with the help of newly planted trees.
Planting mixed forests instead of monocultures
For centuries, forests have been planted for economic purposes in the form of monocultures for rapid timber extraction. Near-natural mixed forests, which consist of various deciduous and coniferous trees, are much more stable than monocultures. Mixed forests offer great genetic diversity, are more resistant to climatic changes and less susceptible to pests.
Planting trees as a company
By planting trees, companies actively contribute to environmental protection and take responsibility for nature. By planting trees, especially climate-resistant trees, companies reduce the risks to the forest and have a positive impact on climate change. Companies that are committed to sustainability also benefit from competitive advantages.
The benefits of planting trees locally
Plant your own company forest on your doorstep now
With Planted and our in-house climate forester, we plant mixed forests for companies throughout Germany. We will be happy to advise you in a non-binding consultation and find a suitable area near your company.
Over 300 customers already trust Planted
FAQ: Tree planting and reforestation in Germany
How do you plant the "trees of the future"?
In order to plant trees to combat climate change and promote healthy forests, it is important to carefully select suitable areas and plant mixed forests instead of monocultures. The choice of tree species should also be based on the conditions of the area in question. Trees are best planted in the ground during the cold season, when they are dormant and growing less actively. This means less stress for the trees. The trees also have a better chance of rooting, need less watering and have a lower risk of pest infestation.
Which climate-resistant tree species should be planted?
Which tree species is planted should depend on the location and be decided individually for each area. At Planted, we have our own climate forester on board who knows which trees are best suited to each location. With Planted, we plant mixed forests because they are more stable than monocultures. This is because monocultures are particularly susceptible to heat, wind, drought and insects. So far, we have planted the following tree species, among others: oak, hornbeam, alder, lime, sweet chestnut, cherry and fir. They are all robust and have deep roots. As a result, they can easily reach water in the summer and are not blown over by the wind in the fall. The tree species can cope well with the future conditions caused by the climate crisis, which is why we call them climate-stable or climate change-resistant tree species.
When is the best time to plant trees?
The best time to plant is during the cold season, from November to March depending on the weather in the year in question. There, the seedlings are in hibernation and don't mind being planted.
Why should trees be planted in Germany?
German forests are suffering greatly from the consequences of climate change. Storms, drought and the bark beetle as a result of climate change have taken their toll on the forest and a huge area has died off in recent years. By planting trees in Germany, the forest ecosystem is promoted locally in the individual regions and contributes to the preservation of native flora and fauna. For companies, the biggest advantage of planting trees locally is transparency. Stakeholders can easily check and visibly track the company's environmental activities.
Why is there such a forest dieback in Germany?
The current forest dieback in Germany is caused by various factors that are closely linked to climate change. Rising temperatures and more frequent dry periods are putting many native tree species that are not drought-resistant at great risk. This increases the risks to the forest, including damage caused by pests and diseases. To counteract this, reforestation with climate-resistant trees is crucial. These "trees of the future" are better adapted to the changing climatic conditions.
What is a climate-stable mixed forest?
A climate-stable mixed forest consists of different tree species that are adapted to the respective site conditions and can cope well with changes in climate change. These are primarily tree species that have deep roots and can therefore still access enough water in summer and are firmly rooted in storms. In order to achieve such a mixed forest, at least three tree species are usually planted. Trees often already grow on the dead forest areas, but these are not particularly climate-resistant. By planting additional tree species on these areas, impulses can then be created with which nature can work and stabilize itself. This creates healthy mixed forests in which a wide variety of animal and plant species can colonize.