Stock photo: Lila la Loop
The second phase of the 1,000-tree program is starting.
Essen, Baldeneysee, February 4, 2026. The city of Essen is further advancing its climate adaptation strategy: As part of the 1,000-Tree Program, 200 additional future-proof trees are being planted in the current planting phase. The Committee for the Environment, Climate and Consumer Protection took note of the project on February 3, 2026. With this, the city is continuing a key project aimed at strengthening the urban tree population and improving the city's climate in the long term.
Background: Climate change is impacting Essen's tree population
Heat waves, drought stress, and extreme weather have left their mark on Essen's urban green spaces in recent years. At the same time, the need for shade and cooling is increasing – especially in densely populated neighborhoods. 258 additional climate-resilient trees were planted in 2024, and now the next phase is underway. A total of 1,000 new, climate-resilient urban trees are to be planted within five years. "With the 1,000-tree program, we aim to strengthen the city's tree population, improve the urban climate, and sustainably enhance the quality of life for local residents," emphasizes Simone Raskob, Head of the Department for Environment, Transport, and Sport.
18 locations benefit from new trees
The 200 new trees will be planted in parks, green spaces, and playgrounds throughout the city. Locations include, among others: the park in the university district, Volksgarten Kray, the Hörster Feld green space, and the green space at Platz Werdener Feintuchwerke. Playgrounds—such as those at Therbeckenring, on Friedrich-Lange-Straße, and at Schellenberg Castle, overlooking the Ruhr Valley—will also be specifically shaded. The aim is to create cooler areas and improve the microclimate.
Impressions of Essen's tree inventory
Climate-resilient species
Only tree species considered particularly resistant to heat and drought will be used. Among others, the following will be planted: magnolia, sweetgum, zelkova, pagoda tree, honey locust, maple, tulip tree, handkerchief tree, ornamental cherry, and ornamental pear. These species not only contribute to climate adaptation but also promote biodiversity within the city.
Site selection based on data and analysis
The Green Spaces Department of Grün und Gruga is responsible for selecting the planting locations. This selection is based on detailed evaluations, including the 2022 climate analysis and canopy monitoring. The evaluation considered existing tree density, vitality and age structure, land use intensity, and urban ecological requirements. "Especially in densely built-up urban areas, trees provide essential oases," explains Mattis Ricken, Head of the Green Spaces Department at Grün und Gruga. "With these new plantings, we are consciously investing in these qualities and thus in the city's quality of life."„
Planting according to TreeAdapt standards
Implementation follows the Essen TreeAdapt action guideline. This includes:
Large planting pits, site-appropriate soil preparation, and several years of care during the establishment phase. This is how the young trees are given optimal starting conditions.
City and federal government are investing together
The city budget has allocated €300,000 for each of the years 2025 and 2026. Essen also receives funding from the federal program "Natural Climate Protection in Municipalities," which is part of the federal government's Action Programme for Natural Climate Protection (ANK). €340,400 has been approved for the current planting season. The program supports municipalities in measures for climate adaptation, CO₂ sequestration, and the promotion of biodiversity – including tree planting, de-sealing of surfaces, and nature-based maintenance concepts.
