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Many loggers are used to ashes. But what we are experiencing these days is a new phenomenon. Although we are only at the end of July, the dark spots in the forest are already noticeable. These are single trees or groups of trees whose foliage is already red or even brown. This time, it is the beech, the most widespread forest tree in our region. The leaves are dry, the branches – sometimes even green – and the parts of the crown are detached. In addition to beeches, sycamore maple, oak and silver fir have similar symptoms.
While ash is caused by a fungus, the damage to beech is based on the official press release issued yesterday. for the forest of the two Basel "the consequence of the drought of this summer".
Different than before
Although there were dry and very dry summers again and again in the past. But then the trees reacted differently. Normally, they reduce their water requirements by dropping the leaves prematurely. It was in 2011, for example, when the leaves of many beeches, charms and maples had already lost their greenery in August. Without significant consequences, however, because the following year these trees have once again completely disappeared. In addition, all the vegetation was already a bit early in early 2011.
For the moment, trees do not only repel foliage to protect themselves. Many die, which is especially recognizable by dry branches and bark bark. And that could indicate a structural problem. Although the director of the Forest Department Basel, the cantonal forestry engineer Ueli Meier, sees a combination of causes; as a late episode of storm Burglind, in which a lot of root system was destroyed, or the problem of nitrogen inputs. However, the assertion that the current drought can also be an indication of the impact that climate change brings to our region, but it can not be ignored. "More summer heat and less summer rainfall are the main causes of beech and spruce," says cantonal forestry engineer.
Adaptation of the arboreal population
He does not want to panic, says Ueli Meier. Tree species depend on sufficient water intake and are therefore likely to be in the long term only in well-watered areas. In other words, beech will likely disappear from heavily flooded southern slopes. The canton of Basel-Stadt currently holds 37, in Basle-Land 47%, which according to Ueli Meier in some communities could reach 70%.
Trees will adapt accordingly to the new circumstances. As an alternative to beech and spruce, there are varieties of Meier drought-tolerant trees such as the various oaks, raspberries, pitcher, walnut or maple, and in particular complement native plants such as hazelnut and ash. Whenever possible, these changes or changes in tree species must be made by natural regeneration. New tree species should be planted especially if there are gaps due to the forced use of diseased trees, which is necessary because of the endangerment of forest visitors for security reasons only.
Additional Hazard
Finally, Wald invites the inhabitants of Basel-City and Basel-Country to be more careful when they visit the forest. For the coming days, dry and hot weather can still be expected. This would increase the number of dying trees and, therefore, the danger, and that in two ways: on the one hand, the broken branches green and emaciated give rise to a "risk not to be underestimated" . In addition, trees and dry branches increase the danger of forest fire. Finally, the Bureau requests "that the blockages of installations and installations, such as those currently implemented in Riehen for security reasons, be strictly respected".
On other measures related to drought and the risk of forest fires in view of the federal celebrations next Tuesday and Wednesday next week – decides according to the Office for Forest of the crisis center in the middle of this week. (Basler Zeitung)
Date created: 24.07.2018, 07:11
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