In a pilot project on the Schützenmatte, the city of Bern wants to test different tree species. The focus is on the trees' ability to cope with the changed climatic conditions.

Stadtgrün Bern has noticed that more and more trees in Bern are having problems with the changed climate. They are more frequently damaged and require costly maintenance. A study by the Zollikofen College of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences confirmed that around 20 percent of the city's tree population lacks the tolerances that would be necessary in the face of climate change. The city of Bern is therefore testing how resistant trees are to drought, urban stress and late frost in a ten-year trial on the Schützenmatte. Starting next week, trees from the Balkan region and other European areas with a similar climate will be planted. The aim is to find tree species that can cope better with the longer dry phases and hot summers than species used so far.

To test the tree species, a site with a heat island effect is needed in a highly frequented location. The Schützenmatte is ideal for this. The test trees are planted in the knowledge that a redesign of the square is planned for the next few years. Ideally, the trees can be integrated into the design. Nevertheless, the tree pits will be created in such a way that the trees could be moved to another location if necessary. In addition to findings from the trial, Stadtgrün Bern hopes that the tree planting and the associated partial unsealing of the square will improve the quality of stay on the Schützenmatte. The municipal council has approved a credit of CHF 187,000 for the measures. The trial has no effect on the current parking regime.

back to projects