Warning about falling branches in parks

Illustrative image

In many parks in Berlin and Brandenburg, trees are suffering from the drought. This can pose a risk to visitors.

The Prussian Palaces and Gardens Foundation Berlin-Brandenburg (SPSG) is warning of the risk of falling branches. The SPSG announced that dangerous branches are currently expected to break off in all of the foundation’s parks. It asks park visitors to stay on the paths and expressly warns against standing under trees.

Particularly high risk during heavy rain and strong winds

"A lack of water has a major impact on a tree's structural integrity. The trunk and branches lose their natural elasticity and can break off suddenly and without any prior damage." It is part of trees’ survival strategy to reduce evaporation by curling their leaves, but also to shed strong branches. Precipitation, especially heavy downpours, can also pose a danger when combined with gusts of wind. "The additional weight on the crowns and leaves makes it easier for already stressed trees and branches to break," the foundation warned. 

Foundation manages castles and gardens in Berlin and Brandenburg

The Prussian Palaces and Gardens Foundation Berlin-Brandenburg (SPSG) manages more than 30 museum palaces and numerous parks in Brandenburg and Berlin, which attract more than 3.5 million visitors from Germany and abroad each year. This includes the cultural landscape that stretches from Sanssouci Palace in Potsdam to Peacock Island in Berlin, which is part of the World Heritage Site.