Spandau transformed: 14 new pastures for more greenery and quality of life!

Spandau transformed: 14 new pastures for more greenery and quality of life!

On November 18, 2025, the Spandau district office planted 14 new willows in various green spaces. This tree planting took place at the Kleine Badewiese and in the Südpark and is part of the “Baumschule Kulturforum” project. This future-oriented project aims to strengthen the urban ecosystem through the creation of tree cultures. In total, around 200 trees were placed in plant troughs as part of the project at the Kulturforum Berlin, 25 of which had to be replaced due to their size. 14 of these willows were successfully rooted in Spandau and will enhance the surrounding area visually and ecologically.

The newly planted willows come from the Salix alba ‘Chermesina’ variety, known for its robustness. The choice of locations for planting takes into account the specific requirements of the willows on the site in order to support their growth. Employees and trainees from the Spandau District Office carried out the planting, with the trees being cut back for transport and planting to promote root development. The funding program also includes support from institutions such as the St. Matthäus Foundation, the Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation and the Lotto Foundation Berlin.

Sustainable impacts of tree planting

The importance of plants for the urban climate and the well-being of the residents is undisputed. According to a study by the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), vegetation in urban green spaces improves air quality and offers recreational spaces that are indispensable, especially in times of extreme weather. Research shows that increased tree cover can significantly reduce the intense heat of urban fabric. Researchers found that increasing tree cover by at least 30 percent could minimize the number of extreme heat hours by nearly 64 percent and minimize water runoff by 58 percent. This is particularly relevant in relation to climate change adaptation.

Another aspect of the project is the promotion of tree diversity and its positive effects on the psychological well-being of city residents. Surveys show that people feel more comfortable in areas with high tree diversity. The FutureBioCity project even examines the question of how people choose public green spaces and what role the tree population plays in this. These findings are valuable for future urban planning.

About the pastures of Salix alba ‘Chermesina’

The newly planted willows are not only aesthetically pleasing, but also functional. Willows of the Salix alba ‘Chermesina’ variety have some specific characteristics that make them suitable for urban areas. These trees are fast-growing and enrich the cityscape thanks to their height and breedometric possibilities. According to lve-baumschule.de, pollard tree trunks come in various sizes and prices, making them an attractive option for landscape designers.

Overall, such tree planting will have long-term positive effects on the urban climate and the well-being of citizens, while at the same time contributing to the aesthetic enhancement of Spandau's green spaces. These projects are essential to increase the quality of life in the city and proactively address the challenges of climate change.