Large flower pots as shade providers and climate messengers in the city center

A total of eight planters are to provide cooling in previously treeless areas of the city center. The planters vary in size and are suitable for different types of trees and shrubs. They will be equipped with a water supply system to minimize maintenance and watering requirements.

One of the planned locations is the Stadthof. The planters can be moved via special transport openings and can therefore also be set up at events.

"Even though planting trees directly in the ground is certainly the best and most sustainable way to green the city, it is sometimes necessary to plant trees in pots instead," says Paul-Gerhard Weiß, the head of the planning department. "The Stadthof is almost completely underbuilt and is also needed for various events throughout the year, so ground planting is not possible there. We have decided to purchase planters for these heavily sealed and underpinned areas. They are large enough to plant trees that can grow up to eight meters tall. The tree species we want to use are so-called climate tree species, which act as climate messengers to accompany the transition to changing environmental conditions." These include, for example, the autumn flame maple, flowering ash and Turkey oak. Information boards explain the special characteristics of the species and provide explanations and recommendations, including for use in private gardens.

"The purchase of the large flower pots is one of many measures that we will be starting this year to bring even more greenery into the city center, to increase the quality of stay and to inform interested citizens about environmental issues," Weiß continues. In addition, the city is planning further activities to upgrade the city center with the city center future concept, which also includes more greenery.

The city council has provided funds of 98,000 euros for the purchase of the giant flower pots, including planting, which are to be refinanced via the "Promoting the attractiveness and sustainability of city centers - Future City Center" funding program.