Urban Forestry: How cities benefit from green oases
Urban forests as green lungs and recreational areas for the city. Find out what role STIHL battery tools play in urban forest care.
01.06.2026
Overview: Urban forestry
Improving the urban climate: lowers the temperature, binds CO₂ and filters pollutants from the air
Promoting biodiversity: Valuable habitats for animals and plants
Increasing quality of life: Creating space for recreation and promoting people's well-being
Professional maintenance: Pruning trees, improving the soil and using zero-emission battery-powered tools
Planning innovatively: Approaches to solutions such as greening buildings and sustainable maintenance concepts
Urban forests are forest areas that are specifically integrated into the city. They combine the classic functions of a forest - such as climate protection and the preservation of habitats - with the specific requirements of urban areas.
Urban forests are green oases in the middle of the city. They bind CO₂, promote biodiversity and have proven health benefits for people. As important places of tranquillity, they are the ideal balance to hectic city life - perfect for switching off after a stressful week and recharging your batteries.
They are the green lungs of the city: Urban forests can reduce heat islands, protect against flooding and bind CO₂. At the same time, they help to improve the microclimate, which strengthens both the infrastructure and the quality of life.
Urban forests offer a higher tree density and are more closely based on natural forest ecosystems. Compared to parks or meadows, they create a more intensive experience of nature, promote biodiversity and actively contribute to climate protection through carbon sequestration.
Maintaining urban forests requires targeted measures such as pruning, irrigation and the promotion of site-appropriate vegetation. STIHL battery tools are used to make urban forest care efficient and considerate. Their operation is locally emission-free and, compared to petrol-powered devices, quiet - decisive advantages for use in busy urban areas.
Professionals play a key role in the planning, planting and maintenance of urban forests. They use their expertise to select robust tree species and improve soils. For effective maintenance, they rely on modern technologies such as battery-powered devices, which enable locally emission-free operation and are quieter than petrol-powered devices - decisive advantages for the considerate maintenance of the forest.
Urban forests: Green visions for cities
According to forecasts, around two thirds of the world's population will live in cities by 2050. This densification presents urban areas with challenges such as rising temperatures and air pollution. Urban forests are an important solution here: They help to cool the air, filter pollutants, bind CO₂ and promote biodiversity in the city. As strategic components of future-oriented urban planning, they can improve the quality of life and create valuable recreational spaces.
However, the success of such projects depends on professional implementation. It takes more than just planting trees - innovative concepts are needed. These range from selecting robust species to improving soil quality and using modern maintenance technologies to maximize the potential of urban nature.
Flagship project: Governors Island, New York
Once a strategic military base, Governors Island has now been transformed into a 172-hectare green showcase project. Located just outside Manhattan, the island is an example of urban development that aims to combine innovative solutions with ecological goals. The significance of the island goes beyond that of a mere park: It not only serves New Yorkers as a valuable recreational area, but is also developing into a center for climate research.
Over 3,500 trees: Creating a diverse urban forest landscape in urban areas
A dense canopy of robust, fast-growing tree species was created on Governors Island to suppress undesirable, non-native plant species (neophytes). The professionals then planted slower-growing trees that also thrive in the shade of the treetops. At the same time, habitats for a large number of bird and insect species were created to promote biodiversity.
Governors Island highlights the social benefits of urban forests
The green spaces provide New York residents with recreational opportunities and space for exercise. At the same time, they can promote awareness of the importance of climate protection and future-oriented urban planning. Maintenance is carried out with STIHL battery-powered tools, which are locally emission-free and quiet to operate compared to petrol-powered tools. This enables considerate working in busy areas.
Solutions with STIHL battery technology
Maintaining an urban forest requires tools that work considerately and effectively. To this end, STIHL offers a complete battery system. The brushcutters FSA 200 and FSA 400 K are suitable for young tree care and neophyte control. For precise pruning at any height, devices such as the chainsaw MSA 220 T, the pruning tool GTA 40 and the pole pruner HTA 150. The sprayer SG 71 provides support with watering. The batteries designed for professional use, such as the AP 300 S or the AR 3000 L, provide the necessary energy for demanding working days.
Goals of urban greening
For professionals in landscaping and urban planning experts, urban forests are an important approach to making cities more resilient, liveable and sustainable. The following focal points illustrate how an urban forest can contribute to this.
Positive effects of urban forests
Urban forests are living ecosystems that offer multiple benefits for the environment and people in the city.
| Area | Effect | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Environment | Surface cooling* | Tree canopy roofs block direct sunlight, which means surfaces heat up less. |
| Protection from extreme weather** | Trees reduce flooding, stabilize soils and promote water retention and quality. | |
| Promoting biodiversity** | Even under difficult urban conditions, urban forests create habitats for animals and plants. | |
| Society | Mental and social health*** | Green spaces reduce stress and promote social interaction. |
| Recreation and quality of life** | Green cities are places of retreat that offer space for exercise and leisure. | |
| Education and awareness | Direct experiences of nature promote environmental and climate protection awareness. | |
| Economy | Improving infrastructure**** | Temperature regulation protects buildings and the soil. |
| Attractiveness for investors | Green cities attract skilled workers, tourists and investors. | |
| Cost reduction | Damage from climate impacts such as extreme weather can be reduced. |
*Cooling cities through urban green infrastructure: a health impact assessment of European cities, Iungman, Tamara et al, The Lancet, Volume 401, Issue 10376, 577-589.
**Lauren E. O'Brien, Rachael E. Urbanek, James D. Gregory, Ecological functions and human benefits of urban forests, Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, Volume 75, 2022.
***Wolf KL, Lam ST, McKeen JK, Richardson GRA, van den Bosch M, Bardekjian AC. Urban Trees and Human Health: A Scoping Review. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020 Jun 18;17(12):4371., doi: 10.3390/ijerph17124371
****Schalk, V. (2016). Economic evaluation of the local climate regulation function of forest areas close to settlements [Diploma Thesis, Vienna University of Technology]. reposiTUm. doi: 10.34726/hss.2016.26590
Successful methods for urban forest care
Professionals regularly face challenges when creating and maintaining urban forests. There are now practical solutions for the most common situations:
Limited space in cities: Urban facade greening can transform walls and roofs into green spaces and turns a lack of space into an opportunity for innovative approaches.
Improved soil quality: Improved growing conditions can be created through soil loosening, compost and targeted fertilization.
Extreme climatic conditions: The use of robust tree species such as winter lime or field maple increases resistance to heat and drought.
Neophytes and invasive species: Modern STIHL battery tools such as the FSA 200 support foresters in removing unwanted plants.
Vandalism and maintenance: Regular tree care and replanting of resistant species contribute to the durability of the forestry.
With modern approaches and professional solutions, urban forests can be successfully created and maintained. For landscaping professionals, urban forest care not only offers an ecological task, but also the opportunity to make cities liveable and sustainable.
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