Thuja death threatens gardens: experts warn of rapid loss!

Thuja death threatens gardens: experts warn of rapid loss!

The sun-drenched gardens in Austria are under increasing pressure - and not just from the constant hunt for the perfect green. Many gardeners are currently faced with the worrying problem of thuja hedges, which are increasingly turning brown and even dying. How Schwäbische.de Reportedly, up to 80 percent of thuja populations are severely threatened. The cause? Long-lasting dry periods that are also noticeable in many other regions.

Thujas, which naturally come from areas with higher rainfall, suffer significantly from the dismal water shortage conditions in our country. This drought makes plants more susceptible to diseases and pests. Bark beetles in particular, such as the species Phloeosinus aubei and Ph. thujae, target the weakened thujas, which cannot produce enough resin to defend themselves. The consequences are not only dry and browned branches, but also the so-called “thuja dieback”, which has been observed more and more frequently in recent summers, according to the experts at Gartenberatung.de point out.

Dealing with the crisis

So what should be done? Gardeners are advised to switch to alternative hedge varieties to avoid the problems. Thujas such as the popular “Smaragd” variety no longer offer a sustainable solution due to their vulnerability. Instead, experts recommend varieties such as Thuja occidentalis 'Columna' or even the yew, which are considered more robust and require less water. Natural plants such as cornelian cherries and wild roses can also benefit biodiversity in the garden and make ecological sense.

Climate change is compounding the problems. Temperatures have risen and recent years have been extremely dry. How NDR determines, we will have to expect more frequent droughts, heavy rain and mild winters. Gardeners are well advised to adapt their garden to these climatic challenges.

Preventive measures and tips

Numerous measures are required to supply the plants with sufficient water. Regular watering and setting up rain barrels to harvest rainwater are just a few of the ideas. The use of mulch protects the soil from drying out, and special watering bags can be helpful for plants with high water needs. It is also advisable to reconsider your plant selection and choose sturdier plants for the garden.

The development we are currently observing is not just an individual problem for garden owners, but affects us all and raises questions about the future of our garden landscapes. One thing is certain: Anyone who has a good knack for sustainable and climate-resistant plants will be ahead in the long term - and not just in the neighborhood, but also for nature itself!