DUH: Nearly One Million Trees Lost from German Cities

Berlin, June 9, 2026 – German cities are experiencing a significant loss of trees and green spaces, according to the 'Hitze-Check 2026' report released by the environmental organization Deutsche Umwelthilfe (DUH). The study, which examined 195 cities with over 50,000 inhabitants from 2018 to 2025, found that more than 900,000 trees have been lost.

The report highlights the increasing impact of climate change on urban environments, focusing on heatwaves and the reduction of green infrastructure. Beyond the loss of trees, the study also indicates a continuous increase in sealed surfaces within cities. Only seven cities met the scientifically recommended target of at least 30 percent tree canopy cover. The heat impact index, which considers sealed surfaces, green space volume, surface temperature, and population density, has generally worsened compared to the previous year.

Offenburg, Lahr, and Mannheim were identified as the cities performing poorly in the assessment, while Kiel and Wuppertal stood out as positive examples. DUH is urging Federal Minister for Building, Verena Hubertz, and Federal Minister for Health, Nina Warken, to implement an effective heat protection master plan with binding standards for urban green spaces. The '3-30-300 rule' – emphasizing that residents should see at least three trees from home, live in areas with 30 percent tree canopy, and be within 300 meters of green space – was highlighted as a key recommendation.

DUH's CEO, Barbara Metz, stressed the necessity for cities to invest in green spaces and trees to ensure residents' health and well-being. "Trees are our green lungs," Metz stated, calling for government action to halt land sealing and increase urban greenery in all construction and renovation projects. DUH has also launched a petition to protect urban trees.

Utilizing high-resolution satellite data, the study analyzed areas where trees effectively provide shade and cool urban environments. The gathered data assists cities in identifying deficits and the needs of particularly heat-stressed areas. DUH encourages citizens to report trees threatened by felling and to actively advocate for more green spaces in their local communities.