Schönberg is looking for new shade: chestnut has to go!

Schönberg is looking for new shade: chestnut has to go!

Schönberg is faced with the challenge of finding a suitable replacement for a chestnut tree on the Upper Market Square that did not survive the spring. The tree has not sprouted any leaves this year, which means that the Green Thumb team, consisting of Martina Meisetschläger and Volker Schmid, is looking for a new “shade provider”. This tree selection is particularly important because the paths and benches in this area are frequently used and help improve the microclimate in the city.

The team maintains the ensemble with green and flowering areas, which makes spending time outdoors more pleasant. An existing old chestnut tree nearby is considered a biotope tree and therefore represents an exceptional situation. The loss of the tree is also a signal for the necessary plant care in urban areas.

The search for the perfect tree

The selection of the replacement tree could offer an interesting opportunity to promote biodiversity in Schönberg. According to shadowfinder.de, several tree species that are suitable for providing shade can be considered. These include, among others, the maple (Acer), the chestnut (Aesculus), the linden (Tilia) and the plane tree (Platanus).

• Ahorn: Schöne Herbstfärbung und pflegeleicht. Geeignet für mittelgroße bis große Gärten.
• Kastanie: Spendet dichten Schatten, ideal für größere Gärten, hat jedoch herabfallende Früchte im Herbst.
• Linde: Wächst schnell, zieht Bienen an und produziert Lindenblütenhonig, ist jedoch eher für größere Flächen gedacht.
• Platane: Sehr robust, schädlingsresistent, auch als Dachplatane schneidbar. Bedarf größerer Flächen.

Oak (Quercus) would also be an option, although it is considered slow-growing and more suitable for large gardens. It offers a majestic sight and is pest resistant. The birch (Betula) and various fruit trees provide additional benefits through edible fruits. This variety of options shows how important it is to choose the right tree for the urban environment.

The decision as to which tree those responsible will ultimately plant will not only influence the aesthetic design of the Upper Market Square, but will also play an important role in the city's ecology. The search for the ideal shade provider could mean much more than just replacing a felled tree.