Extended dry weather in Amsterdam is placing noticeable stress on the city’s tree population, with certain species struggling significantly more than others. Birch and beech trees, alongside newly planted saplings, are losing vitality rapidly, and some have already died.
Amsterdam is home to roughly 300,000 trees across around one thousand species. Tree specialist Hans Kaljee, who has monitored the municipal collection for 35 years, notes that species like elms, lindens, plane trees, and acacias handle water shortages much better.
Underground limits complicate care
A mature urban tree can evaporate up to 500 liters of water daily, making manual watering largely ineffective during long dry spells. Compact soil and low groundwater levels further weaken root systems.
In areas like the Transvaalbuurt, trees suffer from a lack of underground space and disconnected fertile soil, which prevents roots from sharing nutrients and moisture.
The issue is also visible in local parks. In Oosterpark, three 80-year-old beeches near the Slavery Monument are in poor condition, while a recently planted beech nearby has already died.
Changing how trees are planted
The municipality plants between 2,000 and 3,000 trees annually between November and April. To adapt to shifting weather patterns, city workers now use larger pits filled with moisture-retaining soil for new plantings.
Planting timing is also managed more carefully. Saplings planted before Christmas have a better chance to establish strong roots before dry spring weather sets in.
While trees can manage several weeks without rain, consecutive dry years present a much bigger threat to the urban canopy. Extended warm periods also lengthen the active season for beetles, increasing the risk of Dutch elm disease spread across the city.
