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Dangerous tree on Sommerfelder Chaussee: chestnut must fall!
On July 17, 2025, a horse chestnut tree on Sommerfelder Chaussee will be felled for safety reasons. The reasons are serious tree diseases and the protection of road users.
Dangerous tree on Sommerfelder Chaussee: chestnut must fall!
A major tree felling is imminent in Cologne: A horse chestnut tree on Sommerfelder Chaussee, in the immediate vicinity of house number 41, has to be felled for safety reasons. How Barnim Current reported, the planned date for the felling is Thursday, July 17, 2025. The reason for this decisive step is serious damage to the tree, which was discovered after a specialist examination by the civil engineering department.
The results of the assessment were alarming: Although the chestnut still showed vitality on the outside, deep rot areas in the root area and at the base of the trunk as well as pronounced rot in the roots were discovered. There was also aggressive fungal infestation. This leads to an impairment of the stability of the tree, so that the risk of sudden tree failure cannot be ruled out. The safety of all road users is the top priority here, which is why the decision was made in coordination with the Lower Nature Conservation Authority.
Safety precautions and preparations
To ensure safety during felling, the sidewalk will be temporarily closed on this day. Residents and passers-by are asked to prepare for the temporary restrictions. It is expected that the work will be carried out quickly and professionally in order to keep the impact on traffic as low as possible.
The observed phenomenon that contributes to the death of horse chestnuts has been known in Germany since 2007. The disease is caused by the bacteriumPseudomonas syringaepv.aesculicaused. The bacterium is believed to be transmitted through air and precipitation, making it a widespread threat to chestnut trees. In severe cases, infected specimens are felled for traffic safety purposes Tree care portal reported.
Causes and prevention
The symptoms of disease are clear: black spots on the trunk, bleeding and discoloration on the bark, and deep cracks in the wood can indicate an infestation. In addition, secondary infections caused by fungi can often be observed, which can penetrate through entry points. The situation for horse chestnuts is anything but rosy, but there is hope for resistant tree individuals, and experts are working hard to find solutions.
The spread of bacterial horse chestnut death could also be promoted by the increased occurrence of the horse chestnut leaf miner. Municipalities and tree service providers are faced with the challenge of finding a balance between nature conservation and traffic safety. In addition to felling, treatments are also being tested to support affected trees.
Overall, the upcoming felling of the horse chestnut on Sommerfelder Chaussee shows how important it is to regularly check the vitality of city trees. Such measures not only ensure road safety, but also promote the well-being of city residents.