Düsseldorf Plants 1,500 Trees in 2026, Prioritizing Climate Resilience

Düsseldorf is continuing its ambitious tree-planting initiative, aiming to plant approximately 1,500 trees across the city by spring 2026. This effort includes a mix of new plantings, replantings, and renovations of existing tree locations, all focused on enhancing the city’s climate adaptation and sustainability.

Comprehensive Planting Strategy

The 1,500-tree goal is broken down into several key areas:

• Street Tree Replantings: 400 trees
• City Tree Concept Plantings: 120 trees
• Green Space Plantings: 220 trees
• “Your Tree” Campaign: 225 trees on private property
• Plantings as Part of Construction Projects: 60 trees
• Shade Trees in Playgrounds: 50 trees
• Trees in Cemeteries: 325 trees
• Trees Around Sports Facilities: 100 trees
• Seedlings in City Forest: Approximately 20,000

Focus on Future-Proofing Tree Selection

The city is utilizing the “Düsseldorf Future Tree List” to select species and varieties expected to thrive in the face of a changing urban climate. In addition to Oregon blood maples (Acer platanoides “Royal Red”), plantings include elms, field maples, and purple alders. The list is continually updated based on analysis, scientific findings, and practical experience.

Optimized Planting Techniques

Renovation of existing tree locations is a key component of the strategy. This includes increasing root space and incorporating a special planting substrate designed to store water and provide root ventilation. When planting new trees, the city prioritizes locations free of underground cables and conducts explosive ordnance investigations to ensure safety.

Düsseldorf City Tree Concept

Entering its seventh season, the Düsseldorf city tree concept involves creating 120 new tree locations, renovating 160 existing tree pits with replanting, and renovating 131 tree pits while preserving the existing trees. These trees are marked with dark green support posts and white lettering identifying them as part of the “Düsseldorfer Stadtbaumkonzept” and are mapped online at www.maps.duesseldorf.de in the “City Tree Concept” category.

Urban Forest Expansion

Nearly 20,000 young sessile oaks, common oaks, hornbeams, bird cherries, and white elms are being planted in the city’s forest areas, contributing to a more climate-stable and sustainable urban forest with a diverse range of tree and shrub species.

Addressing Tree Felling

Despite the extensive planting efforts, approximately 1,900 trees are expected to be felled due to tree diseases discovered during ongoing inspections. Changing environmental factors, including storms, heavy rain, heat, and drought, are weakening trees and increasing their susceptibility to disease and pests.

Oregon Blood Maple: A Tree of the Future

The Oregon blood maple, featured in the planting on Meliesallee, is highlighted as a “tree of the future” due to its heat, drought, and frost resistance. Its blood-red foliage provides protection from sunlight, and it grows to a height of 15 meters with a crown diameter of 8-10 meters. It too attracts bees with its yellow flowers.