Munich replaces tree referendum with plan for 1,000 extra trees yearly

Munich will plant 1,000 additional trees each year under a compromise that means a proposed tree-planting referendum will not go ahead, BR reported. The campaign group BaumEntscheid Munich had submitted nearly 64,000 signatures to the city council.

The initiative had sought more than 12,000 new trees and a goal of covering 30 per cent of the city’s streets with tree canopies by 2040. It argued that binding targets were needed to help protect Munich from rising heat as the climate changes.

The city council’s “Mango coalition”, made up of the Greens/Rosa Liste, the SPD, the FDP and the Free Voters, agreed to the campaign’s proposal. The coalition said it already had similar plans and wanted to avoid the estimated 4.5 million euros in costs of holding a referendum.

The plan provides for about 38.5 million euros for the additional trees through 2040. Ninety per cent will be newly planted trees, while the remaining 10 per cent may be replacement planting to preserve existing tree cover. Planting is planned mainly within the Mittlerer Ring, as well as in heavily paved areas on the city outskirts.

Co-initiator Steffi Günther called the agreement a major step in the right direction. The city council will discuss the proposal at a full meeting on November 25, and the city administration is expected to draw up an implementation plan by the end of next year.