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Kreuzung von mehreren Autobahnabfahrten in Wien

Urban

Forestry

Urban forestry refers to the planning, maintenance, and management of trees and forests in urban areas. Its goal is to enhance the urban climate and address the challenges of climate change through strategic greening. In addition to its positive effects on climate and biodiversity, urban greenery directly impacts the health and well-being of the population.

The Importance of Urban Forestry

  • Climate Regulation: Green spaces, particularly trees, play a crucial role in reducing heat islands in cities. Through processes like evaporation and providing shade, they contribute to cooling and improve the microclimate.
  • Biodiversity: Diverse and structurally rich plantings support biodiversity and provide habitats for a wide range of animal and plant species.
  • Air Quality: Trees filter pollutants such as particulate matter and nitrogen oxides from the air while producing oxygen, contributing to improved air quality.
  • Water Balance: Permeable soils allow surface water infiltration, reducing strain on the sewage system and helping to prevent flooding.
  • Quality of Life and Health: Green spaces have a calming effect, promote physical and mental health, and provide opportunities for exercise, recreation, and social interactions. Studies show that access to nature and urban greenery reduces stress, boosts well-being, and can even support recovery from illness.
Eine Frau steht mit dem Rücken zur Kamera in einem Stadtwald und blickt auf die Stadt vor ihr

City from a forestry perspective

Study

A study by the Federal Research Center for Forests and Geosphere Austria shows the contribution trees make to the green city.

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Mistletoe in urban areas

Early warning system

Investigation of trends and preparation of a forecast for the spread of white mistletoe and oak mistletoe in urban trees as well as practical recommendations for improving the situation in the city and in forests.

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Bepflanzte Grünfläche mit Jungbäumen zwischen Wohnblöcken in Wien

UrMini and Cape 10

Projects

Three urban mini-forests (Wiener Neustadt, Vienna) were planted in collaboration with partners and are available for scientific research. They are investigating which trees and shrubs are particularly suitable for these plantations in the face of increasing weather extremes.

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KI generiertes Bild

City - Tree - Soil

Sparkling Science

The Sparkling Science project “City - Tree - Soil” investigates how the urban environment affects the soil and tree growth. The project team from BFW, the Federal Environment Agency, BOKU and the University of Innsbruck is working together with pupils from Vienna and Innsbruck to develop important findings for climate protection in the city.

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Forest Groove

Sparkling Science

When pupils investigate the biodiversity of the forest not with a microscope but with a microphone and create their own sound mixes, then it can only be the innovative Sparkling Science project “Forest Groove” from BFW.

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Invasive Tree Species

Manual

The international ALPTREES project has developed a risk assessment system for this purpose and published manuals on the management of non-native tree species in forests and urban areas.

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