Forest report 2019 [Hesse]

The results of the forest condition surveys in 2019 show that the Hessian forest has the worst vitality condition since the beginning of the surveys in 1984. 50 % and 72 % respectively of the mortality rate and the failure rate this year are determined by the tree species spruce. 2018 and 2019 were characterised by extreme weather conditions and changed the forest in Hesse. A decisive, mutually reinforcing influence on the forest was based on a sequence of storms, drought phases and bark beetle infestation. This has caused considerable damage to the forests. Further topics in this year's Forest Condition Report are: Weather and climate, effects of storms and drought 2018/2019 on the vitality of forests in northwestern Germany, insects and fungi, reforestation of damaged areas in adaptation to climate change, white fir as a tree species in climate change, substance inputs.