Berlin-Mitte Greening Initiative: Pohlstraße to See New Plantings
The Berlin-Mitte district is embarking on a significant greening project along Pohlstraße in Tiergarten, starting with the replanting of green spaces beneath street trees. This initiative, spearheaded by the Mitte District Office, is a key component of its comprehensive unsealing strategy, designed to transform sealed urban areas into vibrant green spaces.
Why is This Project Important?
The primary goals of this project are multifaceted:
- Enhance Urban Climate: By replacing sealed surfaces with greenery, the district aims to cool down the city, especially during warmer months.
- Improve Rainwater Management: The new plantings will help retain rainwater more effectively in the soil, reducing runoff and alleviating pressure on the sewage system.
- Support Street Trees: Improved soil conditions and better water retention will create a more favorable environment for street trees to thrive.
- Beautify Public Spaces: The introduction of diverse shrubs and perennials will enhance the aesthetic appeal of Pohlstraße.
The project focuses specifically on the section of Pohlstraße between Potsdamer Straße and Kluckstraße. The Street and Green Space Office and the Environment and Nature Conservation Office are collaborating with the Erfurt University of Applied Sciences on this initiative. Students from the university have developed a site-specific planting plan tailored to the local conditions.
Project Timeline and Preparation
Before the new plants are introduced, professional teams will prepare the beds. This involves removing existing vegetation, weeds, leaves, and dead plant material, followed by loosening the soil. A specialized landscaping company will then carry out the planting work.
According to the District Office, clearance work is expected to commence on May 11, 2026. Residents who have planted their own plants in the green spaces along Pohlstraße and wish to keep them are advised to remove them beforehand.
Broader Context: Berlin’s Unsealing Strategy
This initiative at Pohlstraße is part of a larger unsealing strategy being implemented across Berlin. In several districts, asphalt and concrete surfaces are being removed to allow rainwater to infiltrate the ground more effectively and to reduce the heating of urban spaces. This contributes to better groundwater formation and overall urban resilience against climate change.
How You Can Get Involved
The project is being funded with 110,000 Euros from the Environment and Nature Conservation Office. The Mitte District Office is actively encouraging residents to participate in the planting process or to help with watering the new plants later on. Interested individuals can contact the Street and Green Space Office via email for more information on how to get involved.
Contact Information
For inquiries and participation, please contact the Street and Green Space Office via email.
Further Information
More details about Berlin’s unsealing strategy and other greening initiatives can be found on the District Office’s official website.
Source: Bezirksamt Mitte von Berlin
