German Forests Show Only 20% Are Healthy

Why this is here: The survey found that 31 percent of pine trees in German forests now have significantly thinned crowns, an increase of 7 percentage points from the previous year.

German foresters report that only one in five trees is fully healthy, according to the 2025 forest condition survey. Revierförster Franz van Elsbergen observes widespread thinning in the canopy near Bonn, noting dead branches as signs of declining vitality. Four out of five trees in Germany show some degree of unhealthy condition, assessed by crown density.

Oaks are particularly affected, with roughly half exhibiting significantly thinned crowns. The years 2018 to 2023 brought extreme heat and drought, weakening trees and making them vulnerable to pests like the oak splendor beetle. Damage to pine trees also increased, rising from 24 to 31 percent with thinning crowns.

Foresters are replanting areas devastated by dying fir trees, prioritizing diverse, mixed forests. They are also testing non-native species—Douglas fir, sweet chestnut, and Hungarian oak—at a forest laboratory near Cologne to increase resilience.

While not replacing native trees, these additions aim to broaden the species mix and reduce the risk of widespread forest loss. The work of restoring forests continues as challenges remain.