Planting tree pits in Berlin

A woman tending a street bed in front of her apartment in Berlin-Kreuzberg. (archive picture)

Greening tree pits is a form of guerrilla gardening. Whether and how the mini-bed on the street tree may be planted depends on the district in Berlin.

The planting of tree pits is a form of guerrilla gardening. Wild gardening is a reaction to ever less greenery and increasing air pollution in the city, and for some it is also a form of political protest. Guerrilla gardeners sow and plant in open spaces in the city. They throw seedbombs made of soil, clay and flower seeds onto desolate wastelands, traffic islands and verges to make Berlin a little greener, more beautiful and better.

Obtaining approval instead of just getting started

Although no one is harmed during the planting campaigns, they are usually illegal. This is because a corresponding permit is required for planting in public areas. There is sometimes an exception for the planting of tree pits - the small open spaces around Berlin's street trees.

Planting tree pits without permission

Only in the districts of Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg, Mitte and Neukölln is the creation of tree beds - in compliance with the applicable rules - permitted without a permit (as of March 2025). On their websites for greening tree pits, the responsible Grünflächenämter (urban green space planning offices) invite citizens to beautify the cityscape through their own commitment, explain the most important requirements for protecting trees and provide planting tips.

Contact the Grünflächenamt beforehand

Anyone wishing to beautify a tree pit in Tempelhof-Schöneberg must contact their Grünflächenamt beforehand and coordinate the planting. The districts of Treptow-Köpenick, Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf, Lichtenberg, Marzahn-Hellersdorf, Pankow, Reinickendorf, Spandau and Steglitz-Zehlendorf also require prior consultation with the responsible office (as of March 2025). The authorities check whether the respective tree pit is even suitable as a tree bed and whether the desired planting can be realized there.

Rules for planting tree pits

If you want to plant a tree bed, you need to follow a few basic rules. Freshly planted and still young trees must not be underplanted, as the roots are still very fine and sensitive. They can be recognized by the wooden supports surrounding them. When working the soil, do not dig too deep. Climbing plants, tall-growing plants, thorny plants and shrubs are not permitted in tree pits as they take nutrients and water away from the tree, endanger traffic safety or pose an accident risk. Edging with low fences is only permitted in a few districts.

Suitable plants for the street tree bed

Annual and biennial flowers, shallow-rooted perennials, ground cover plants, wildflowers and flower bulbs are well suited for the tree grate. These include marigolds, snowdrops, crocuses, cranesbill, marigolds, cornflowers, corn poppies, yarrow, cowslips, tulips, daffodils, lungwort, daisies, mullein, meadow sage, dyer's chamomile, wild mallow, flax, larkspur and various herbs such as thyme, wild garlic, lavender and wild marjoram.