06.06.2023

Tree trenches for quality of life in Hagen

More protection against heavy rain and heat, improved air quality and biodiversity

The German City of Hagen lies on the edge of the Sauerland low mountain range and has a hilly topography. Four rivers – the Ruhr, the Volme, the Lenne and the Ennepe – run through the city. As a result, large parts of the city are at risk of flooding, especially during heavy rainfall events. As part of a pilot project, specially developed innovative tree trenches (or tree drains) are now being planted. These are designed to make the city safer, more climate-resilient and thus more liveable.