Tree of heaven invasion in Berlin: danger to native species!

Tree of heaven invasion in Berlin: danger to native species!

A new threat is causing excitement in Germany's urban landscapes: the tree of heaven, also known as Ailanthus altissima, is spreading rapidly. Originally from China and Taiwan, this invasive tree species has now gained a foothold in cities like Berlin and represents serious competition for native species. The tree of heaven is not only known for its rapid growth - it is even considered the fastest growing tree species in Europe - but also for its invasive properties that can severely impact urban ecosystems. So reported berlin live about the fact that the exact number of trees of heaven growing in Berlin is unknown because they are not subject to registration on private property. According to estimates by the Berlin Nature Conservation Association (NABU), around 3,300 trees of heaven are registered in the Berlin tree register - and the trend is increasing.

Why is the tree of heaven so popular? Above all, the mild climate, which is favored by climate change, promotes its spread. Optimal growth conditions occur at temperatures as low as nine degrees Celsius, which gives it a clear advantage over other tree species. Urban areas appear to be ideal terrain for it, where it competes with native species. Users on Reddit have already expressed concerns about the invasive spread, shedding further light on the situation.

Combat challenges

Fighting the tree of heaven is a major challenge. The roots of this species are deeply anchored in the ground, making removal much more difficult. Experts like Derk Ehlert from the Senate Environment Administration warn that the tree sap can also cause skin irritation. In Kreuzberg, selective removal measures have already been taken. One method that has proven itself is the so-called “ringing”. This involves removing a ring of bark to stop the flow of sap, which ultimately leads to the death of the tree. But these measures are just a drop in the ocean in view of the rapidly growing population.

The problem is exacerbated by the fact that the tree of heaven is banned in the wild, but is still allowed to thrive in private gardens. This makes a comprehensive ban virtually ineffective, like Deutschlandfunk notes. Sönke Hofmann, Managing Director of NABU Bremen, points out that combating the tree of heaven also requires financial resources and consistent measures in order to achieve effective success.

Tree species in focus

Interestingly, the tree of heaven is not the only player on the list of invasive tree species in Germany. There are a total of nine tree species on the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation's management list that are considered invasive, including Douglas fir and knotweed, which also have invasive properties. Loud bfn.de The spread of such species is likely to increase in the coming years.

In summary, it can be said that the problem of the tree of heaven has many facets and affects both the environment and urban living spaces. Collective efforts and innovative approaches are needed to effectively address this invasive threat.