Six months after two plane trees on Merianplatz were deliberately poisoned, the city of Frankfurt is sending a clear message: eight new trees will soon adorn the central square in the Nordend district. To this end, around 120 square metres of previously sealed surface area will be removed. Work will begin in the coming days and is expected to be completed within the planting season in March.
What began as an act of destruction is now culminating in a joint project between the city administration and the local council. The Office for Road Construction and Development (ASE) is removing parts of the paving slabs as part of the existing catering and playground uses, while the Parks Department is taking care of the greening. The city is thus implementing a decision by Local Council 3, which had spoken out in favour of a significant ecological upgrade of the square after the two plane trees were felled.
Tina Zapf-Rodríguez, Head of the Department for Climate, Environment and Women, speaks of a "hopeful outlook" after a "wilful and senseless" attack. In times of climate crisis, she says, the unsealing of surfaces is a central goal of local politics. She describes it as a stroke of luck that this is possible at Merianplatz despite the complex utility lines. The aim is to make the square a green centrepiece of the district once again. Wolfgang Siefert, head of the Mobility Department, also emphasises the symbolic nature of the measure. The rapid implementation shows how the administration and the neighbourhood can work together to develop viable solutions. Merianplatz is a densely built-up, lively place with a variety of uses – the new planting should reflect this character. Two small-leaved lime trees, a Turkish oak, a Japanese zelkova, an American lime tree, a sweet chestnut, a Hungarian oak and an oriental plane tree will be planted. The selection is based on both climatic criteria and the aim of promoting biodiversity. All trees will be given generously sized, underground tree pits with ventilation pipes and root protection. Six of the eight trees will also be planted with insect-friendly perennials, including steppe sage, mountain mint, coneflower and tufted feather grass.
Replacement planting at the original locations of the felled plane trees was no longer possible according to current standards: the required distance to the adjacent buildings does not allow sufficient root space there. Last autumn, the Parks Department had already created symbolic flower beds at these locations. The plans were coordinated once again on site shortly before construction began with representatives of the city, the local council, initiatives and interest groups. Although there were some reservations about the future use of the land, the concept was broadly approved.
The poisoning of the two plane trees caused great consternation among the city's residents. The new trees are intended not only to enhance Merianplatz ecologically, but also to restore a degree of trust. If the young trees grow well, they could provide noticeable shade in just a few years. In addition, a symbolic sculpture is planned to commemorate the destroyed plane trees. The local council is still deliberating on its final design.
