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Hesse in shock: Serial perpetrators poison old trees with glyphosate!
In Hesse this year, several trees were deliberately poisoned. Experts warn of the ecological consequences and call for greater protection.
Hesse in shock: Serial perpetrators poison old trees with glyphosate!
There are rumblings again in the Hessian region: unknown people have deliberately poisoned trees this year, and the investigation situation is proving to be difficult. The cases from Riedstadt are particularly alarming, where suspected perpetrators injected glyphosate into at least ten trees, including the over 200-year-old Karl Spengler oak, a protected natural monument. These incidents tear a hole in the hearts of many environmentalists and citizens who rely on the vital role of trees in our cities. As [hessenschau.de](https://www.hessenschau.de/panorama/vergiftete-baeume-in-hessen-so-oft- Werden-taeter-ermittelt-v2,vergiftete-baeume-hessen100.html) reports, a sad trend has already been noticed this year: the perpetrators are often found among those who are connected to construction projects or personal interests.
A lawyer warns urgently about the need for tree protection regulations, as there is no uniform tree protection law in Germany at either federal or state level. The penalties for such environmentally damaging acts can be up to two years in prison or hefty fines. In comparison, the penalties in countries like England are oppressive - here the perpetrators face up to four years in prison. What is particularly bitter is the fact that damage to trees can result in fines of up to 50,000 euros, but a uniform and effective approach to combating this environmental crime is still a long time coming.
An alarming phenomenon
The phenomenon of tree poisoning experienced a worrying upswing this year. In addition to the incidents in Riedstadt, similar attacks were also recorded in other cities in Hesse, such as Frankfurt, Limburg and Butzbach. In Limburg, two plane trees even had to be felled due to the poisoning, while in Butzbach several trees in a playground were deliberately damaged. Mayor Marcus Kretschmann of Riedstadt was horrified and promised to do everything possible to hold those responsible accountable. The Hessian sueddeutsche.de also reported that no tree in Riedstadt was under Suffered from drought stress or pest infestation, which makes the deliberate poisoning all the more frightening.
NABU Hessen advocates for urgently needed new plantings in response to these missteps. City trees are not only beautiful to look at, they also make an indispensable contribution to improving the quality of life: they provide shade, clean the air and provide a habitat for many animals. Mature trees are even more susceptible to disease and their loss has far-reaching ecological consequences. Mammi Pauline, a resident in Frankfurt, puts it succinctly: “Trees are living beings, and they deserve our protection!”
Protective measures and future prospects
A new project to protect trees in urban areas is continuing to improve the urban treescape. The aim is to protect tree species while planting new trees to meet the challenges of climate change. The BfN has already outlined some measures that are intended to strengthen the rights and protection of trees in German municipalities. City trees are under pressure and the need for action seems greater than ever.
Overall, the situation in Hesse shows how important it is to create a suitable legal and social environment to protect our trees. After all, they are not only part of our nature, but also part of our lives and our identity. In order to act sustainably, we finally have to have a good hand for nature - because a lot depends on us.