Easy recovery through moist weather - high mortality rate in the western forest
As the press office of the science city of Darmstadt reports in a report, the forest state report in 2024 was published . For the fifth time in a row, the city systematically documents the condition of the Darmstadt city forest. The results serve as an important basis for sustainable protection and the adaptation of the forest to the consequences of climate change.
Results of the investigation: Hardly any all -clear despite the moist year
At the center of the forest state survey is the vitality of the trees, measured by the degree of foliage of the crowns . As Green Affairs Center Michael Kolmer emphasizes, continuous monitoring is crucial in order to recognize changes at an early stage and derive well -founded measures:
“In addition to our actions, climate change in particular influences the future of the forest. The results for the western and Ostwald help us to document the long-term development and counteract them in good time. ”
The survey was carried out between mid -July and mid -August 2024 and shows that the city forest still suffers greatly from the consequences of climate change. Of the 2,368 trees examined, many are still damaged or died.
However, there is a slight positive development: the moist weather of 2024 has led to a slight improvement in the crown states . The proportion of healthy and only slightly damaged trees has increased, while the proportion of heavily damaged trees decreased slightly.
Westwald particularly affected - high mortality rate remains
the western forest is particularly serious , where the dry, sandy soil has been stressed for years. The mortality rate here is still 3.4 percent , which provides the progressive death of many old trees .
Ostwald is in a slightly better condition. With a cheaper water supply, a slight improvement in the foliage and the states of the crowns could be determined. The overall moist weather conditions in 2024 - including a rainy May and above -average rainfall in summer - temporarily gave the forest a certain relief.
However, Kolmer warns against interpreting this as a long -term recovery:
“A moist year alone is no reason to have an all -clear. Climate change remains an immense challenge for the Darmstadt city forest. ”
Measures: more resistance through natural renewal
The city continues to focus on a more stable interior climate as a key strategy for the forest. A dense crown closure and natural forest hems are crucial for the water balance and the resistance of the trees.
Therefore, the green space office pursues an ecological approach with targeted measures :
- Left of damaged trees and standing dead wood to promote biodiversity
- Avoid wood harvesting to stabilize the microclimate and protect the water balance
- Promotion of natural forest rejuvenation to secure the inventory in the long term
According to Kolmer, these measures already show positive effects :
“In addition to the cooling effect through shadow throwing, the remaining biomass serves as a habitat for insects and as a water storage . This strengthens biodiversity and makes the forest more resistant. "
The full forest state report 2024 is now presented to the parliamentary bodies and then published on the homepage of the city of Darmstadt .
“We consistently continue our work on the model Wald, which was recognized with the NABU forest medal in 2023. It is about supporting the city forest in such a way that it can of course rejuvenate himself - for future generations, ”emphasizes Kolmer.
(Darmstadt - Red/PSD/Stip)
