
The City of Vienna is testing new tree species at its Mauerbach nursery in Penzing, the 14th district, to find varieties resilient to climate change.
“In the last ten years, we have introduced ten new species,” explains Robert Fahsl from MA42, the city department responsible for managing parks, gardens, and streets.
Among the recent additions are a fruitless pear, plane trees, the rein tree, and American ash – all selected for their heat tolerance. One of the most drought-resistant options is the field maple, also known as Aza. This tree can thrive in warmer, drier conditions and keeps its leaves for longer. This ability is important for providing shade during the warmer months and helping to cool the city.
The Mauerbach nursery, home to some 18,000 trees, serves as a testing ground to assess how well different species can cope in urban settings.
Vienna’s Climate Councillor, Jürgen Czernohorszky, underscored the city’s commitment: “In the past four years, we have planted over 20,000 trees, with more than 5,000 in completely new locations.” Each tree, including planting and soil preparation, costs approximately €3,000.
The city’s main planting seasons are autumn and spring, with trees selected to suit specific spaces. Some areas allow trees to spread freely, while others, near building facades, require species with narrower growth.