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Hohenzieritz Castle Park will remain closed until 2026: trees are in danger!
Over 50% of the trees in Hohenzieritz Castle Park are damaged. Care measures are ongoing, full opening expected in 2026.
Hohenzieritz Castle Park will remain closed until 2026: trees are in danger!
The Hohenzieritz Castle Park, a popular excursion destination with a wonderful view of the surrounding plain, remains closed to the public for the time being. The closure was imposed in May 2024 due to threats to life from breaking branches and possible tree falls. According to nordkurier.de, more than 50 percent of the approximately 1,500 trees in the park are now damaged. The majestic beech, oak and linden trees, which are suffering from the adverse conditions of climate change, are particularly affected.
The park's hillside location has meant that rainwater drains away quickly without being stored in the ground - an unfavorable situation for the trees. Drought and high temperatures have further deteriorated the condition of the vegetation. Mayor Peter Strobl criticized the length of the closure while those responsible are working to ensure the necessary measures are taken.
Comprehensive care measures
The MV-Schloesser.de reports that a digital tree cadastre recording in the park has been completed. The recording is a step to ensure the safety of visitors, given that over 50 percent of the trees are not safe for traffic. What is particularly alarming is the dramatic increase in dead wood in trees over 150 years old, which further increases the risk.
The maintenance work, which began in June, is taking place in various areas of the park. The initial focus is on the forecourt of the castle and areas adjacent to residents' properties, while the area behind the castle remains completely closed until further notice. The structural measures are being carried out by an external specialist company and are intended to guarantee the safety of walkers without impairing access to the castle and the round church.
Lengthy care and costs
In total, around 800 maintenance measures are required in the park, with a focus on the publicly accessible areas. The work is not only complex, but also time-consuming - on average, it takes an hour per tree to care for it thoroughly. The nordkurier.de notes that around 45 percent of these measures have already been completed. The park is expected to be fully opened by 2026.
The costs for park maintenance in Hohenzieritz amounted to around 289,000 euros in 2024, while the total costs for all castle gardens are almost 2.7 million euros. These investments are necessary to increase the lifespan of the trees and improve their health so that the castle park can soon shine in its full splendor again.