Storm low Ziros: Danger to life in the Spandau and Tegeler Forests!

Storm low Ziros: Danger to life in the Spandau and Tegeler Forests!

The forests around the capital do not rest. How berlin.de reported, the Spandauer and Tegeler Forests are closed to entry and driving until August 4, 2025. The reason for this draconian measure is massive storm damage caused by the Ziros storm at the end of June. The danger situation is serious: there is a risk to life in the affected areas, which is why visitors should definitely pay attention to the barriers and notices on site.

On the evening of the storm, the first clearing and securing work began on streets and settlement edges, which has now been largely completed. The systematic clearing of the forest paths will now begin. Please note that there may be differences between local conditions and the information on the maps. It is therefore advisable to follow the forestry staff’s instructions.

The risk of storms for our forests

It is especially in times like these that it becomes clear how vulnerable our forests are. Older stands, which often have higher proportions of spruce trees, are particularly susceptible to storms. Loud waldwissen.net A high proportion of spruce trees significantly increases the risk of storms. In addition, a single mixture can offer more safety, but often reduces the strain quality.

Normal, well-closed stands have a high level of mutual resistance. However, thinning efforts that are carried out excessively can increase the risk of storm damage in the short term. This can be remedied by gradually training the forests, which improves their storm resistance over a certain period of time.

Climate change and its consequences

But it's not just storms that affect our forests. Extreme droughts and bark beetle infestations have also caused considerable damage in recent years. How bmel.de reports, climate change led to over 308 million cubic meters of calamity wood between 2018 and 2023, predominantly from storm damage, drought and pests. The situation is particularly tense in federal states such as North Rhine-Westphalia, Thuringia and Saxony.

The stability of the forest ecosystem is at risk and the necessary reforestation could affect over 500,000 hectares. The current condition leaves a lot to be desired: A forest condition survey shows that 36% of the trees have significant crown thinning, while only 21% are considered healthy.

Given these challenges, it is even more important to select suitable tree species and origins for forest conversion. The Federal Ministry is already working with the federal states and associations to support affected forest owners. Funding programs such as the Natural Climate Protection Action Program aim to adapt forests to changing climatic conditions and strengthen their resilience.

Those responsible appeal to the population to be considerate and to take the closures in the affected forest areas seriously. Safety comes first – especially in these turbulent times for our valuable forests.