- Location: Jena, intersection Fürstengraben / Bibliotheksweg
- Affected Tree: Copper beech (approx. 150 years old)
- Cause: Severe fungal infection and rotten wood
- Action: Felling requested
Jena. It is a bitter loss for the green face of Jena’s city center. Anyone strolling along Fürstengraben or turning into Bibliotheksweg knows it: the majestic copper beech that has watched over the intersection with its sprawling, reddish canopy for around a century and a half. But the days of this natural monument are numbered.
Diagnosis: Advanced Fungal Infection
As the team from the Botanischer Garten Jena announced, the tree has reached the end of its biological life. Despite the imposing appearance the giant tree still offers on the outside, the situation inside is critical. A detailed professional inspection has confirmed what experts already feared: a fungal infection has massively attacked the beech’s wood, causing it to rot.
Such infections are not uncommon in urban trees of this age. Fungi decompose the lignin or cellulose in the trunk, drastically reducing stability. Especially at such a heavily frequented location as Fürstengraben, where thousands of pedestrians and vehicles pass daily, the duty to ensure public safety allows for no delay.
A Difficult Decision for the Botanischer Garten
The decision to part with this landmark was by no means easy for those responsible. Trees of this dimension are not only providers of oxygen and shade during hot Jena summers; they are also witnesses to the city’s history. This specific beech has survived the Empire, the World Wars, and the reunification era.
Nevertheless, the team from the Botanischer Garten has now officially applied for the felling. The safety of pedestrians and traffic has absolute priority in this case. Exactly when the saws will arrive depends on the permit process, but it is expected to happen soon to eliminate any hazards.
The Challenge of Urban Trees
The loss of the copper beech is part of the growing challenges for urban greenery. Increasing drought, compacted soils, and pests are affecting old tree populations throughout Thüringen. When such a giant falls, it initially leaves a painful gap in the cityscape – but it also often offers the opportunity to lay the foundation for the next 150 years with more climate-resilient new plantings at the same or a nearby location.
Sources:
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Transparency Note: This article was automatically created, editorially reviewed, and expanded with AI support.