Battle for old trees: Munich's green lung on the verge of extinction!

Battle for old trees: Munich's green lung on the verge of extinction!

In Munich-Sendling there is a great outcry from residents. There are five majestic trees in the backyard of Lindenschmidstrasse 25, which not only ensure cool temperatures in summer, but are also valuable CO₂ binding agents. But there is a creeping danger: the city has agreed to the felling of these trees, which are over 150 years old. From October onwards, the chainsaws will be allowed to move in and the vital giants will make way for the planned new construction of a five-story townhouse. This project takes up almost half of the courtyard, raising questions and concerns among residents.

Deniz Akman, an affected resident, cannot make up her mind and expresses concern that “the trees with their deep roots not only provide habitat for many species, but are also a part of our history.” Meanwhile, Thomas Rehn, head of the Munich Local Building Commission, supports the construction and explains that building law takes precedence over tree law in this case. A clear indication that the bigger picture is placed above nature.

A curse for nature?

In recent years, the city of Munich has dealt intensively with the topics of construction projects and tree protection. The Sendling district committee, which also includes the CSU and the FDP, raises concerns about the heat waves and the associated effects of the construction project. The ÖDP politician Florentine Schiemenz also calls for new development plans in which trees should have priority. But as is often the case, such plans are often threatened by long approval processes and the required compensation payments for the property owners.

What does this actually look like in numbers? An amendment to the Munich Tree Protection Ordinance is being sought in order to implement stricter regulations for trees and shrubs. Trees with a trunk circumference of 60 cm are particularly affected and are now also to be protected, whereas previously only trees with a circumference of 80 cm were protected. The city hopes to use these measures to curb the loss of green space and encourage more replacement planting.

Dispute over replacement plantings

In 2023, a total of 7,788 trees were felled in Munich - with only 7,361 replacement plantings. The difference is alarming and reflects the urgent need for action. On properties that are already well-maintained, owners often forego additional replacement planting, but the responsibility should not just lie with the stressed tree owners. The city is trying to reform the criteria and conditions for felling in order to take tree protection to a new level.

However, according to the Haus und Grund portal, the reform wind is not blowing well everywhere. Many private owners fear that the new regulations could become stricter and thus restrict the felling of their own trees. “What we need here are clear and fair regulations that take both builders and our valuable trees into account,” says a spokesman for the initiative.

Another problem? The new construction projects in connection with the tree protection ordinance could result in fundamental changes in the bureaucracy. An increase in felling operations requiring approval is to be expected - and with it the fear of increased bureaucracy and rising construction costs. While more and more residents hope for a review of the building permit, the discussion about sustainable urban development is becoming louder.

The voices of residents who speak out against the felling of the trees have not been silenced. Thomas Hinz, spokesman for the residents' initiative, emphasizes that the planned project does not serve to solve the housing shortage, as the new residential units are only aimed at a specific clientele. A clear call to seriously rethink social housing in Munich and not to lose sight of nature.

Finding a balance between urgently needed housing and preserving green spaces remains a challenge for the city. Let's wait and see whether the voices of the people of Munich will also be heard.