Forest condition report: Half of forest area with significant damage

Severe storms caused extensive damage in Berlin's forests during the summer. (Archive photo)

The condition of Berlin's forests has deteriorated once again.

At 46 percent, almost half of the forest area shows significant damage, according to the 2025 Forest Condition Report presented by Climate Protection and Environment Senator Ute Bonde (CDU). "This is the highest figure recorded in the observation period," said the responsible Senate administration. Compared to the previous year, the figure increased by nine percentage points (2024: 37 percent).

Tree species affected differently

According to the report, the main causes for this development are the dry spring and the persistent soil drought since 2018. The proportion of healthy trees without visible damage was three percent this year. For the report, trees in the surrounding area are examined at random at around 40 locations. However, different tree species were affected to varying degrees. The condition of pine trees, for example, deteriorated significantly. According to the report, 40 percent of pine trees show significant damage, compared to 13 percent last year. Only three percent of pine trees are completely healthy (2024: 7 percent). The extreme drought in the spring was the main cause – the rainfall in July came too late for the needles to grow. In addition, around a quarter of the trees are infested with mistletoe, which deprives the trees of nutrients and water.

Condition of oak trees improving

Although the condition of the oak trees is still poor, it has improved compared to last year. According to the report, two-thirds of the oak trees show significant damage, compared to 87 percent in 2024. Only two percent were undamaged. Based on 10,000 trees, 27 pine trees and 48 oak trees are expected to die each year, according to the Forest Condition Report. According to the Senate Administration, the report's findings indicate that climate change is occurring faster than natural adaptation processes in forest ecosystems can keep up. However, the proportion of deciduous trees and biodiversity continue to increase.

Pressure due to changing climatic conditions

According to Senator Bonde, the Forest Condition Report shows that Berlin's forests are under pressure from changing climatic conditions. "We can see how serious the situation is – and at the same time where we are already making an impact," she said. For years, Berlin's forestry authorities have been working to stabilize the forests and make them more resilient. The report is a cause for concern for the Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union (Nabu) Berlin. The forest can no longer rest, said Imke Wardenburg, team leader in the nature conservation department. "In addition to climate stress from heat, drought, and extreme weather events such as the recent storm 'Ziros,' political decisions are also taking their toll." The forest is being increasingly fragmented and exploited. In addition to climatic challenges, construction and planning projects are exacerbating the situation.