Cities and municipalities should/want to become more sustainable. This is even explicitly stipulated in the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations (SDG 11 – sustainable cities and communities).

Japanische Erle

When it comes to planting, e.g. planting new street trees, cities & municipalities have a huge green lever. But why do they decide on the Japanese alder, as seen here in a new development area in the South-West of Germany.

We have so many native trees that, in addition to their cooling, shady effect (like any tree), also offer rich food to insects. Interestingly, in the first, older construction phase of the aforementioned new development area, lime trees, which bloom wonderfully in summer and attract countless wild bees and honey bees, were planted as street trees – it’s a pity that this has been abandoned.

Dear cities and municipalities, instead of any exotics, please plant native nectar and pollen-producing trees, such as lime, maple, fruit trees, chestnuts, … to support local biodiversity!