To date, nearly 70,000 euros has been collected; however, this substantial sum is only enough to cover the cost of one tree. This serves as a striking example of how the subjective ideas of a few residents may lack broad demand among the general public. Furthermore, it highlights the significant time authorities spend on activist-led initiatives instead of focusing on developing the city through traditional, established management methods.
The Construction Department identified a potential for 150 trees to be planted within Munich’s pedestrian zone and surrounding streets. These plantings were intended to provide shade during the summer and enhance the livability of the city center. To fund the project, Lord Mayor Dieter Reiter and Construction Department Head Jeanne-Marie Ehbauer supported the initiative of several activists last summer, appealing to Munich residents for help. They initiated the “Give Shade” campaign, which sought to frame climate adaptation as a collective community task—an approach deemed particularly relevant during a period of municipal budget strain.
Donations Sufficient for Only One Tree to Date
The campaign has been active for nearly five months, generating approximately 69,000 euros. In response to an inquiry, the Construction Department stated that the precise cost calculations for each specific planting site in the Old Town have not yet been finalized. However, officials emphasized: “We anticipated costs in the mid-to-high five-figure range per tree.”
Why does planting a single tree in the pedestrian zone cost more than 50,000 euros? According to the department, the high cost is driven by extremely complex planning and execution. Numerous utility lines, underground parking garages, and subway tunnels run beneath central Munich. For each tree, an excavation roughly the size of a standard garage is required. This pit is then filled with a specialized substrate to ensure the plant receives adequate water and nutrients. Additionally, specialized technical root protection is necessary to withstand the heavy emergency and delivery vehicles that traverse the city center daily.
First Plantings Scheduled for Autumn
Out of the 150 planned trees around the pedestrian zone, donations have only covered one so far. Nevertheless, this does not mean the project is being abandoned. Ultimately, the City Council will determine the amount of municipal funding the Construction Department will receive for this purpose. Authorities expressed hope for a decision in the near future while the fundraising campaign continues.
The first six trees are scheduled to be planted on Sendlinger Straße this autumn. Beginning in 2027, further plantings are planned for Frauenplatz, Petersplatz, Dienerstraße, and Marienplatz.
Source: BR24
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