Esslingen in summer: how we save our city green from drought!

Esslingen in summer: how we save our city green from drought!

In times of increasing climate change, casting of city green becomes increasingly relevant. In Baden-Württemberg in particular, the cities face the challenge of keeping trees and plants alive in the middle of heat and drought. Esslingen reports that the urban casting troops need around 5 million liters every year to maintain the city green. In particular, the approximately 1,000 young trees and plants in need of care are the focus of care.

The employees have been in use since mid -April to support the growth of the plants. Depending on their age, young trees are cast at certain intervals. In the first few months between April and October, this means that they are supplied with 200 to 300 liters of water about ten times. The watering intervals also adapt to the weather conditions: pouring more often in the heat, but less in wetness.

flexible casting management

The casting service in Esslingen is extremely organized. The casting tasks are distributed to four employees and their vehicles. In addition, there is a list for flower boxes, troughs and perennial beds, which is looked after by at least one employee. Plants that need special care also have their place on a patient list. In the hot season, even veins can be used to support particularly contaminated trees and lawns.

The watering tours are dynamic: five tours take place by default, which can be increased to up to eight tours depending on the weather. And when the temperatures rise, you are even active in the city center on weekends to distribute soothing wet. The city has a good hand to help employees who sometimes have to be reminded of statutory breaks.

The challenges of climate change

The topic of watering is not just a local affair. Climate change has led to longer drought times, and the trees are added. As Garden nature , the causes of this are diverse: soil sealing, lack of water and compression of the earth, we are increasingly noticing in urban areas. While forest trees have developed certain survival strategies, city trees are far more susceptible to drought stress that affects the growth and liability of the plants.

Especially in summer, the support from artificial irrigation is essential, especially when the drought lasts for more than a week. Signs of lack of water such as sagging branches and discolored leaves are often an indication that trees urgently need help. Experts advise that adult trees need 150 to 200 liters of water per casting, while young trees have to make do with 75 to 100 liters.

With solid planning and the use of rainwater from a separate cistern with 2,000 cubic meters, which is fed by large roof areas of the building yard, the city of Esslingen actively meets this challenge. This ensures that the urban flora does not fall by the wayside even in difficult times and that we can continue to live in a beautiful, green Esslingen in the future.