Ruhlsdorfer Straße: Trees stop thanks to the clever frosting!

Ruhlsdorfer Straße: Trees stop thanks to the clever frosting!

In a current press release of July 17, 2025, the Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg district emphasizes the challenges that the root growth of trees on the sidewalks of Ruhlsdorfer Straße. The roots not only press the sidewalks up, but also make cycle paths uneven and shift curbs, which can lead to dangerous situations for pedestrians and cyclists. In order to counteract these problems, innovative measures were taken in 2024 that aim to support the root growth of the trees instead of falling.

In the course of these measures, more space was created for the trees. Tree slices were enlarged, and dismissal areas were inserted that serve the rainwater infiltration and relieve the sewage system. Thanks to this project, 18 trees were able to be preserved on Ruhlsdorfer Straße, which benefits not only the urban landscape, but also the microclimate of the area. The measures were carried out in cooperation with tree specialists and the Technical University of Berlin, which specializes in water -sensitive urban development.

review of the tree resistance

A central component of the project was "train attempts", which checked the stability of the trees after the removal. The results of these tests have shown that all trees are stable on Ruhlsdorfer Strasse. Doubts about possible disorders or destruction of the static root work during the construction work could thus be cleared. Professional planning and protective measures are crucial to ensure the health and stability of the trees.

For the future, permanent measurements for the soil moisture are planned in Ruhlsdorfer Straße. These are intended to provide information about the influence of the dismissal measures on the trees and the microclimate in the street.

digital approaches to tree irrigation

These developments in Berlin are in the context of increasing efforts to improve innovative solutions for tree irrigation in urban rooms. For example, in Bochum, where there are similar climatic challenges, soil moisture sensors are used to digitally determine the water requirements of young and deciduous trees. On May 25, 24 sensors were installed on various tree types to enable precise irrigation, especially during heat periods. The sensors are part of a pilot project that aims to integrate urban climate monitoring and promote the Federal Ministry of Housing, Urban Development and Building.

resilience of city trees

A comprehensive analysis of the resilience of city trees shows that different tree species react differently to dry stress. Dendrochronological examinations on pseudo -acacias and stealing oaks illustrate that young trees in particular are more sensitive to drought, while old trees have better water additives thanks to deep root systems. The comparison between urban and less sealed locations also shows that the growth of stems in urban areas is significantly impaired. These findings illustrate the need to take measures to give water availability and to improve urban infrastructure in order to promote sustainable urban development.