Brandenburg's Forests Face Record Damage from Climate Change and Wildlife

A new report reveals that only 15% of trees in Brandenburg remain undamaged, with severe impacts from drought, frost, wildlife, and illegal dumping.

The 2024 Forest Condition Report shows a dramatic decline in tree health, with 32% of trees categorized as severely damaged—a doubling from the previous year.
Eighty-five percent of Brandenburg's trees now show some level of damage, with oaks and beeches suffering the worst losses in recorded history.
Contributing factors include prolonged droughts, late spring frosts, and wildlife grazing on young trees, exacerbated by climate change impacts.
Illegal dumping of construction materials, particularly near Berlin, has added to the strain, with over 6,000 cubic meters of waste removed from forests in 2024.
Efforts to transition from pine monocultures to resilient mixed forests continue, but progress is slow due to ecological challenges and funding concerns.