This is how Swiss forest suffers from climate change: “And the beech crown is dying”

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After the rainy spring, it may not be on our minds anymore, but when asked why the Swiss forests are under constant stress, Oliver Frey says, “The real problem is the increased drought in recent years.”

This knowledge comes from many years of experience as a forester. Aargauer believes this is because of climate change. “After the hot summer of 2003, the trees recovered well. It’s gotten progressively drier over the last ten to 15 years. If there are too many dry years in a row, the trees have little chance of reviving.” An outlier like this spring doesn’t help either.

Rainwater leaks too fast

Located on the west bank of the Lower Aare valley just a few kilometers before the great Mittelland flows into the Rhine, Villigen AG is part of Frey’s hunting grounds. The ground there: shallow and rocky. Rainwater leaks quickly.

“The weather is always the hottest and driest in Aargau. The storm is passing us. They either go along the Rhine or along the Aare,” the forester continues. His main concern is with the four main tree species that nest in his 1250-hectare area.

“Silver fir is less drought tolerant than you might think. The bark beetle eats spruce. 90 percent of ash trees are affected by ash wilt, a tree disease caused by the fungus Hymenoscyphus fraxineus, native to East Asia. Frey is most severely affected by about 40 percent of trees in the Villigen forest. “The south-facing, lousy position doesn’t quite tolerate them. The upper part of the crown dies. The tree never grows back,” the forester knows.

devotion to the Swiss forest

What should we do? Cut down sick and infested trees and use the wood. This creates free young forest areas that offer space for new trees. But not for anyone. “We are rejuvenating the forest in a targeted way with native tree species that are suitable for the location and can withstand drought.” Environmental company SwissTrees offers support for the reforestation of degraded forest areas. The organization, which aims to plant climate-resistant tree varieties in Switzerland, collects donations from private individuals and companies for this purpose. Frey liked this idea. For a special reason: “I think it’s good that SwissTrees wants to plant trees here in Switzerland and not anywhere else in the world.”

In addition to new plantings, SwissTrees also maintains so-called habitat trees. These are mostly old living and even dead trees that are important as a habitat for insects, birds and other animals. Those that are no longer interesting in terms of wood economy. Or the proud old trees that forest managers have left standing, even though their timber can be well paid. “From an ecological standpoint, habitat trees are extremely valuable,” explains Frey. The forester completely stopped agriculture on an area of ​​​​about 40 hectares. There is also a reserve where Frey introduced the oak.

Meaning: Old trees with dead wood are preserved and new plantings revitalize the forest. “This is how we create a web between dead and new trees.”

Creating awareness among individuals

“As a forest owner, if you get compensation for habitat trees, you’re much more motivated to keep them afloat,” says the Aargau forester, based on his own experience. “SwissTrees has recognized that climate change will present great challenges for us.” Frey finds it important for private individuals to realize the importance of the forest. “Recreation, oxygen, reservoir: forest provides community services. It’s our green liver.” From the forester’s point of view, ask: “The forest owner finances, the general public benefits. This needs to be taken into account more. For example, five free with one forest. Little can help make the forest climate-friendly again.” Frey also sees climate change as an opportunity.

“We can bring in tree species that we don’t have now. We should plant trees that are most suitable for the climate in terms of where they are located, not trees that are the most economical in the future.”

Source : Blick