Kahle trees on the Sankt-Elisabeth-Platz: Hitzestress forces exchanges!

Kahle trees on the Sankt-Elisabeth-Platz: Hitzestress forces exchanges!

Wieden, Österreich - Summer has a firm grip on us, and while many enjoy the warm weather, our city trees also experience the effects of the high temperatures. At the Sankt-Elisabeth-Platz in Vienna, two trees show questionable signs of heat stress-they do not wear leaves. As meinzirk.at , these trees must be exchanged in autumn, since despite the careful care as part of a parking project at a new position have been planted.

But the situation is not only limited to the Sankt Elisabeth Square. Kahle trees were also found on the corner of Argentinierstraße and Plößlgasse, although no information about their condition is currently available. Residents have noticed the bald appearance of the trees and the magistrate department 42 informs the population about the challenges that this heat stress for young plants brings.

heat stress in cities

This problem is not new, because in urban areas the temperatures are often higher than in the surrounding area, a phenomenon that is known as a heat island effect. According to a study presented on January 29, 2024, city trees and green areas are the most effective protection against this extreme heat load. Cities like Berlin show that large, old city trees and a densely forested leaf roof can contribute significantly to mitigate the temperatures. This finding is supported by various development options that analyze their heat effects Stadtundgruen.de .

The need for an active urban design becomes particularly clear in terms of our aging society. High temperatures can exacerbate health problems - a major concern that increasingly focuses on both in Vienna and elsewhere. Magistrate department 42 appeals to the importance of greening to sustainably improve the microclimate in the cities.

The challenges of urban greenery

The bare trees perceived by residents are only part of the problem. According to the experts, it is essential to reduce the number of sealed areas and at the same time create and maintain green spaces. The combination of built -up and open rooms can help to minimize the heat load in our cities and to develop effective strategies for climate adaptation.

While the temperatures continue to rise and the trees at Sankt-Elisabeth-Platz are heading for an early end of their "career", it becomes clear that the city of Vienna and its surroundings are faced with the challenge of protecting both natural habitats and taking appropriate measures to maintain the urban greening. With this in mind, we should all have an eye on how our environment changes and what steps are taken to stay green and alive in hot summers.