Trees on the Gendarmenmarkt: Citizens are calling for more green in the heat paradise!

Trees on the Gendarmenmarkt: Citizens are calling for more green in the heat paradise!

The Gendarmenmarkt in Berlin has come under criticism, although it was recently renovated for 21 million euros. Sebastian Herges, a committed resident and critic, has denounced the still insufficient greening of the 14,000 square meter square. During the reopening in March 2023, only four trees were planted, which led to displeasure among the population. Herges demands that a tree should stand every 15 meters, even in buckets, to increase the pleasant quality of stay and make the place more bearable in extreme heat. The Senate, on the other hand, argues that monument protection and architecture from GDR times limit the planting of trees.

herges has transformed his reviews into an action by organizing a vigil in a tree costume on the Gendarmenmarkt every Thursday. The reasoning of the Senate that events would hinder the planting of trees would reject because only two major events take place on the pitch per year. He also advocates the idea of ​​mobile buckets that can be moved if necessary as a practical solution.

renovation and planning

The renovation of the Gendarmenmarkt began in October 2022 and includes a comprehensive renewal of the space covering and the establishment of an underground infrastructure for gastronomy and events. In cooperation with Rehwaldt Landscape Architects and PST engineers, measures were taken on a participation process from 2011. The complete renovation was transferred to Grün Berlin in 2018.

A central goal of this renovation is to protect the historical center of Berlin against the effects of climate change. Over 6,000 tons of natural stone paving were removed and replaced by an underground control network for electricity, water and waste water around five kilometers long. In addition, over 50 retractable drinking water and dirty water connections and around 30 underground power connections were installed.

trees and climate protection

The new planning also provides for the retention of a small crown tree grid from the 1930s. However, individual trees had to be felled due to technical requirements to ensure accessibility. In the south of the square, three new plantings with large Japanese cord trees (Sophora Japonica) are planned. This tree species is considered heat, dryness and exhaust gas-resistant and is therefore ideal for the city climate.

The expansive crowns of the new trees, which reach a height of 12 to 18 meters, also offer shadows and carry to improve the microclimate on the square.

The growing demands for more green areas reflect the increasing awareness of the citizens of climate protection and quality of life in urban rooms. Herges remains optimistic that his action will continue to draw attention to the inadequate planting and fights for a greener and more pleasant cityscape on the Gendarmenmarkt.

For more information about the renovation of the Gendarmenmarkt and the planned changes, please visit berlin live and Grün Berlin .