No all-clear for Saxony's forests

Saxony wants to consistently continue the conversion of forests

"The results show how important it is to convert forests into climate-stable forests," emphasized State Forestry President Utz Hempfling. The persistently high risk of forest fires due to the precipitation deficit continues to cause concern. The major fire in the Gohrischheide showed what fatal consequences the persistent soil dryness can have. "That's why we must continue the forest conversion with determination in this regard too."

How is the condition of the forests recorded?

In order to record the condition of the forest, 6,672 trees were assessed for needle and leaf loss and the degree of yellowing, as well as other characteristics such as flowering, fruiting and the number of coniferous years. The overall assessment also takes into account damage caused by insects and fungi or by drought, storm and fire. The condition is characterized by damage levels.

What are the specific results?

In total, 35 percent of the trees showed significant damage (damage level 2 to 4), 40 percent showed slight damage (damage level 1) and 25 percent showed no recognizable damage (damage level 0). The dry and warm weather of recent years was cited as the main reason for these high values.

At 24.5 percent, the average needle loss as a key assessment criterion was the sixth-highest value ever recorded for spruce. "The long periods of dryness to drought in combination with favorable conditions for wood- and bark-breeding insect pests had a particularly negative effect in the lower mountainous areas and in the hilly regions," it said. Around 71 percent of all spruce trees show damage.

Only 14 percent of pine trees still show no crown damage

At 23.8 percent, pine needle loss is slightly above the previous year's level. Only 14 percent of trees still have no crown damage. In contrast, the proportion of significantly damaged trees increased by eight percent to 28 percent. The infestation by harmful beetles - a total of 19,000 cubic meters - is down slightly compared to the previous year.

In the group of other conifers, the average loss of needles was 23.9 percent. Compared to the previous year, this value decreased slightly (1.6 percent). In Saxony, this group includes tree species such as European larch, Serbian spruce (Omorika spruce) and Japanese larch.

Almost three-quarters of oaks are damaged

After the 2024 survey for oak produced a record value of 45 percent for mean leaf loss, an improvement to a value of 38.5 percent was recorded this year. However, 74 percent of all oaks - five percent less than in the previous year - are still classified as damaged. The infestation of oak trees by insects such as the oak splendid beetle also remains at a high level.

"The crown condition of beech trees has improved slightly with 38.5 percent undamaged trees compared to 2024 (35 percent). The proportion of significantly damaged beech trees fell from 37 to 30 percent. Pests only occur sporadically on this tree species and mostly benefit older trees that are already damaged by the drought," the report continued.

The group of other deciduous trees is dominated by birch. Here, the value of the average leaf loss is 23.4 percent. Overall, 35 percent of the trees, 9 percent more than in the previous year, are considered undamaged.

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