Linde on Bocholter Straße: security measures after loss of vitality!

Linde on Bocholter Straße: security measures after loss of vitality!

On February 5, 2025, an extensive tree care measure will be carried out in the Borken urban area. The reason for this is to determine a massive loss of vitality at a linden tree on Bocholter Straße. This linden tree is not only hollow from the inside, but also from a mushroom. In order to be able to ensure traffic safety, the removal of the tree is essential. The city administration of Borken took measures to ensure stability in the previous year, but the current circumstances now require this step.

The felling measures will be carried out in the coming days on Bocholter Straße, in the amount of the underpass of federal road B 70. To compensate for the loss of the tree, a new linden tree is planted at the same place. The city of Borken asks the citizens for understanding possible impairments during this measure.

The importance of city trees

city and street trees play a crucial role for the microclimate and the quality of life in urban areas. They offer shadows, filters emissions, contribute to the cityscape and serve as a habitat for numerous animal species. However, these trees are exposed to extreme conditions. Factors such as soil compression, the city climate as well as air and soil pollutants have a negative impact on their health. The Federal Environment Agency explains that city trees often only reach half of their potential age. In addition, climate change further deteriorates the location conditions for these plants.

In many cities, some tree species in particular show problems due to the changing climatic conditions. The increase in new harmful organisms is another challenge. It is therefore essential to carefully plan the choice of species and location in future plantings. Qualified location factor analyzes and a targeted election of tree species can increase the lifespan and functions of the city trees. These factors also reduce the maintenance and replacement planting effort for the responsible municipalities.

preparation for climate change

As part of an urban concept that was confirmed by the city council in 2016 in Jena, climate change is taken into account as a central factor in city tree planning. An analysis of the location conditions for the 2071-2100 climate control period takes place. Using a tree species recommendation list with around 160 suitable species, future city green planning is facilitated. The measures to improve tree stocks are supported by various institutions such as the Thuringian Institute for Sustainability and Climate Protection (Think).

year after year, funds from the urban budget flow into this long -term climate adaptation strategy. Cities like Jena can implement environmentally friendly measures through concrete tree species recommendations and 35 model streets to meet the challenges of climate change.

In connection with these efforts, the work of the Working Group on Stadtbrei of the German Garden Office Head of Management (Galk) is particularly emphasized, which has been aiming for improving the conditions for urban trees since the 1990s.

The current construction maintenance measures in Borken are therefore part of a larger context in which cities are trying to adapt their trees to the new challenges of climate change worldwide.

For more information about the important functions of city trees and their adaptation strategies, a look at the information of the press-service as well as the comprehensive studies of the Environmental Bundesamt and the valuable contributions of the Klimascouts .