"Living exhibition" on Schwappachweg: Trembling poplar is "Tree of the Year" 2026

Sweet chestnut, wild service tree, European larch, wild apple, sessile oak, field maple, winter lime, spruce and copper beech - the living exhibition on Schwappachweg has grown into a species-rich tree population in recent years. Since 24 April 2026, the trembling poplar (Populus tremula) has now joined the ranks.

The tree species, also known as aspen or aspen, was selected as this year's "Tree of the Year" and planted in the Brandenburg soil as part of the traditional planting ceremony. Representatives of the WaldWelten Foundation, the University for Sustainable Development, the Forest Botanical Garden and the City of Eberswalde planted the young tree along the black axis near the red gate of the Forest Botanical Garden.

The city of Eberswalde was represented at the planting by Ilja Haub, Head of the Department of Building and Urban Development:

"The series of 'Trees of the Year' symbolises permanence and development. The cooperation between the University for Sustainable Development, the WaldWelten Foundation and the city of Eberswalde has also become firmly established. The annual planting makes this successful cooperation visible," emphasised the head of the building department.

The trembling poplar is one of the fastest growing tree species in Central Europe, reaching a height of 20 to 35 metres under favourable conditions. As a typical light tree species, it cannot rejuvenate in its own shade and therefore spreads mainly by the wind (anemochory). Its average lifespan is around 100 years.

The "Tree of the Year" has been proclaimed by the Dr Silvius Wodarz Foundation and the Tree of the Year Association since 1989.