Jena, May 14, 2026. During the night to Thursday, a historical weeping beech toppled in the Botanischer Garten in Jena. The approximately 120 to 140-year-old tree stood at a prominent location on the Fürstengraben and had lost its stability due to rotten root flares.
- What: Historical weeping beech toppled
- Where: Botanischer Garten Jena (Fürstengraben)
- When: Night to Thursday, May 14, 2026
- Cause: Rotten root flares, lack of stability
Loss of a Historical Ensemble
With the collapse of the weeping beech, the Botanischer Garten loses another defining component of its historical planting. As the institution announced, for more than a century, the tree formed a visual ensemble with a neighboring copper beech. However, the latter had to be felled a few weeks ago because it was severely infested with rot and fungi. Both trees were among the oldest and most striking plants in this area of the garden.
Investigation of Causes and Outlook for the Future
According to initial information from the garden management, the now-toppled weeping beech also showed clear signs of rot at the root flares, which ultimately led to the uncontrolled collapse during the night hours. Starting next Monday, the exact cause is to be further investigated by experts. In the following weeks, the Botanischer Garten also plans consultations on how an appropriate botanical replacement can be created at this historical site on the Fürstengraben.
The Botanischer Garten in Jena, located at the historical Fürstengraben, is one of the oldest institutions of its kind in Germany (founded in 1586). Old tree populations are an essential part of the charm and ecological value of this inner-city area. When trees reach an age of well over 100 years, they become particularly susceptible to wood-decaying fungi and root rot. To ensure the safety of visitors on the paths, the plants must be checked regularly. Nevertheless, unpredictable collapses, especially in the case of sudden root failure in the soil, cannot always be completely ruled out in natural facilities.
Source:
Trauerbuche im Botanischen Garten umgestürzt
Transparency Note: This article was automatically generated, editorially reviewed, and expanded with AI support.