Reinickendorf after storms: massive tree damage and barriers!

Reinickendorf after storms: massive tree damage and barriers!

On September 19, 2025, massive tree damage was discovered in Reinickendorf following recent storms. Continuous explorations in public spaces have shown that significant damage has been caused, particularly in Erpelgrund. Weather-related influences have changed the tree structure and created new patterns of damage. In order to ensure the safety of the population, the affected area will be cordoned off with a fence for 14 days starting today, as berlin.de reports.

The deployment of the Technical Relief Agency (THW) is being prepared to repair the damage in Erpelgrund. District mayor Emine Demirbüken-Wegner (CDU) highlighted the tireless efforts of the THW helpers, who work with chainsaws, loading cranes and cherry pickers. These helpers have been present every day since last week, with the number of volunteers increasing to at least 20 per day. But there is no end in sight to the clean-up work, as many broken treetops continue to pose a danger. The extent of the damage significantly exceeds the initial estimates, as the THW website makes clear.

Safety is a priority

Citizen safety remains the top priority. As a result, many schoolyards are closed and entry is banned from various playgrounds and parks. Demirbüken-Wegner publicly thanked the employees of the Roads and Green Spaces Authority as well as the THW emergency services for their dedicated and quick work. Currently, the work on the Heiligensee village meadow, which was carried out by a service company, is considered completed following inspection by the Roads and Parks Department and the facility is now available again.

The destructive storm front that hit the region on June 27th caused significant damage not only in Berlin, but also in the Havelland and Oberhavel districts in Brandenburg. These weather events also raise the question of liability and responsibility: If a tree falls on a neighboring property due to a storm, the tree owner is only liable if the tree had previous damage or was not regularly inspected. If the tree population is healthy and regularly inspected, he is not liable for the damage he has caused to neighboring properties, as explained on fachanwalt.de.

Insurance questions and legal aspects

The issue of liability is particularly relevant in times when storm damage is increasingly occurring. The tree owner has a traffic safety obligation and must check his trees regularly. If damage occurs due to fallen trees, the injured party should document and photograph the incident. In many cases, homeowners insurance comes into play when property is damaged by fallen trees. Wind strength also plays a role here: storms with wind speeds of 62 km/h and more fall under the criteria for claims for damages.

The ongoing clean-up work and the potential legal issues related to the storm damage clearly show how important it is to deal with vegetation in urban areas preventively and sustainably. More intensive tree control could potentially prevent future damage or at least reduce its extent.