Pirna is fighting drought: Watering Can Day” on July 4th!

Pirna is fighting drought: Watering Can Day” on July 4th!

On July 4, 2025, a nationwide call will be made, not just in front of the television, but outside, where the city trees are waiting for our help. The “Germany pours” initiative launched the first “Watering Can Day” with a clear goal: to support the trees in our cities suffering from drought. Helge Goldhahn, the initiator of the “Pirna 800” tree planting campaign, emphasizes the importance of this campaign, which calls for participation not only in Pirna, but throughout Germany. It is up to all of us to keep urban green spaces alive and to actively ensure a better climate. According to information from Saxony, trees are essential for our urban climate - they provide shade, clean the air and help regulate temperatures.

But the reality is challenging: urban trees are increasingly suffering from the consequences of climate change, such as heat, drought and heavy rain. Young or newly planted trees in particular require additional care and water to survive in urban environments. Citizens are therefore encouraged to take action on July 4th and irrigate their surroundings. It's tick-tock, as the saying goes: rainwater is ideal here - and you should stay away from drinking water in order to conserve resources. The “Germany pours” network developed from a conference in Leipzig in March 2025 and brings together watering initiatives, administrations and committed citizens who exchange ideas together to preserve city trees.

“Pirna 800” campaign

The “Pirna 800” campaign is a special initiative that was launched at the end of 2022 to plant a total of 800 trees in Pirna by 2033. So far there are almost 300 trees on the list of freshly planted trees. On “Watering Can Day”, the campaign is supported by the Dresden city drainage system, which provides 100 IBC containers with 1000 liters of water each. These containers are strategically placed and help to provide both trees and shrubs in public spaces with sufficient water. Residents and tree sponsors are called upon to fill the containers regularly and to actively participate in the irrigation.

But why is this all so important? City and street trees have an invaluable value: they regulate the microclimate, filter emissions and provide habitats for various types of birds and insects. However, urban flora faces challenges such as soil compaction, air damage from pollutants and the growing influence of climate change. Many cities have to be more economical with the often limited resources available, which makes it all the more important that we all pitch in together and promote civic engagement. In its analyses, the Federal Environment Agency assumes that targeted measures and strategies for tree care can improve the lifespan and functionality of these green residents in the long term.

How can you get involved?

Anyone interested is welcome to grab their watering can on July 4th and get involved locally. Create a short video of your watering marathon and document your activity on the “Deutschland Gießt” website to show that water is also flowing in your city. The virtual watering marathon is not only a great way to strengthen the sense of community, but also a sign that every water donation counts, and the joined effort keeps our trees alive, and thus, we are all part of the climate solution.

Further information and specific instructions for taking part in “Day of the Watering Can” can be found on the website Klima-Werk and on the platform Deutschland Gießt. Let us work together to ensure that our city trees continue to sprout and thrive!