Brandenburg's Allotment Gardens Face Ongoing Thuja Challenges

In the allotment gardens of Brandenburg, tenants are once again facing the challenge of removing Thuja, commonly known as arborvitae, from their plots. This fast-growing shrub, favored for its dense foliage and privacy screening capabilities, has been prohibited in these gardens due to environmental concerns.

The Landesverband der Gartenfreunde, the state association of garden friends, highlights the inconsistent enforcement of the Thuja ban across different gardening associations. According to the association's president, the approach varies significantly: some groups are strict in their compliance, while others are lenient.

For instance, in Potsdam, regular inspections are held, allowing tenants a two-year grace period to remove their Thuja after an inspection. However, if there is a change in tenancy, the removal must be expedited. Meanwhile, other associations may permit tenants to keep the Thuja until they decide to give up their garden, which can extend to several decades, raising concerns among association leaders.

Christian Peschel, the head of the Potsdam garden and settlers' association, notes that approximately 90% of tenants are cooperative regarding the removal of Thuja. For the remaining tenants, additional discussions are often necessary to ensure compliance.

Since the reunification of Germany, the proliferation of inexpensive plants from garden centers has led to a surge in Thuja cultivation, resulting in a current environmental dilemma. Experts cite the significant water consumption of these shallow-rooted plants as a primary concern, as they inhibit the growth of other vegetation within a two-meter radius.

Environmental advocates, including representatives from the Nabu (Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union), point out that Thuja species, which originate from North America and Asia, provide minimal ecological benefits. They argue that these plants do not offer sufficient food or habitat for local wildlife, unlike native alternatives such as elderberry, privet, cornelian cherry, or common serviceberry.

While the Nabu does not advocate for an outright ban on Thuja, they welcome voluntary measures to phase it out in favor of more ecologically beneficial plants. The high water requirements of Thuja are also a point of contention among garden associations, with calls for a more systematic removal process to promote better environmental practices.

Despite its popularity for providing a year-round green screen and being low-maintenance, the Thuja is just one of several plants banned in Brandenburg's allotment gardens. Other prohibited species include various conifers such as spruce and fir, as well as deciduous trees like oak and maple, alongside certain ornamental plants and even cannabis.