Three plane trees felled on the market square - urban climate-friendly replanting
10.03.2022 – The redesign of Offenbach's market square will enter its third construction phase in mid-April. As part of the current construction work and the associated adjustment of the height of the square, three plane trees in front of the ice cream parlor in the area of house number 4 will have to be felled on March 14, 2022, just in time for the start of the bird breeding season. To compensate for this, new trees with a particularly good ecological balance will be planted.
During the excavation of the soil, extensive, almost horizontal roots were found close to the surface in the area of the affected group of trees. These roots are located at the level of the future paved areas, which also have to be driven over by heavy fire department vehicles. They are of great importance for the stability of the trees and therefore cannot be shortened. "Technically, we cannot adjust the paving heights or install protective root bridges, as is possible for the other trees on the market square," explains Paul-Gerhard Weiß, Head of Building and Planning: "When the temporary bus lane was being built, attempts were made to save the plane trees with root protection mats - but it has now become clear that the trees, which are already damaged and leaning significantly, can no longer be saved."
The application for the tree felling was carefully examined and approved by the tree experts from the Office for the Environment, Energy and Climate Protection. An expert office had explained in a comprehensive statement that the felling was unavoidable.
To replace the plane trees, two new climate-resilient string trees (Sophora japonica "Regent") with large crowns, which were already five to seven meters high when they were planted, will be planted in the area of the existing tree locations. These trees are considered to be particularly suitable for urban climates and ecology, as they tolerate drought well and the flowers serve as bee nourishment. Butterflies also love these flowers. In addition to the ecological value, it is being examined whether the rainwater from the adjacent areas can be directed into the tree beds to ensure water retention with intermediate storage during heavy rainfall events.