Winter is coming and our 2022 proposal for trees on the market square in Karlsruhe, which has been going through the local council for over a year, is back on the agenda. In the last ten years, we know of no comparable application that has been put off for so long. Coordination is possible in principle, but implementation only takes place once the planning has been completed, and this can also include the current conversions in the city center.

Four to five trees for the Karlsruhe market square

The proposal envisages planting four trees in raised beds on the edges of the market square around the Karlsruhe landmark, the pyramid. This is technically possible and the architectural firm responsible presented the corresponding plans years ago. Another tree was planned in the south, in front of the district court. This is considered the most controversial tree, as the administration has decided that the Ferris wheel should always stand here for the Christmas market.

The controversial redesign of the Karlsruhe market square

The market square was also redesigned with the combined solution. The white, light-colored stones are particularly troublesome for residents in summer. The space heats up and is too bright for many eyes. The media reported repeatedly. Even in Friedrich Weinbrenner’s day, a pergola was planned around the city’s landmark – to provide shade for the weekly market.

The city of Karlsruhe improved the redesign: Water features were the solution for the north side facing Kaiserstraße. But Karlsruhe city center is still hot in summer. A representative city survey shows that the majority of Karlsruhe residents would like to see more shade and more trees in the city center.

History of a debate about the heart of the city center

Since our request, the town hall has put forward a number of arguments against trees on the town hall. The oldest argument is the preservation of the classicism of the market square. There are also counter-arguments here, such as the pergola already mentioned and squares that also have trees. Monument protection was cited, but after an examination, trees are still possible. Karlsruhe must move with the times, especially with the climatic changes of the coming years.

Money for trees is spent on rental palms

Another argument was the finances. This requires funding, which the city finally received. However, the money is now being spent on movable furniture and rental palm trees in the summer – for rent, of course. This also entails logistics costs. However, this has not become the innovative solution for shading, the palm trees are too low, only the sunshades help. Trees would certainly have been innovative, and the raised beds could also have been used as seating. The money should therefore be invested in trees.

No space on the market square because of the flower market and weekly market?

The city planning office then cited the space conditions on the market square. After removing the rails, this actually allows much more space than before. The reasons given by the office are the market stalls and the Ferris wheel at the Christmas market as well as the markets that take place: e.g. the pyramid market. However, the responsible market office sees no reason for trees to be an obstacle; the stands can also be positioned differently. An inspection also showed that the Ferris wheel alone would be a reason to skip the fifth tree.

Vote on trees on the Karlsruhe market square

Our application should be back on the agenda after summer 2023. The resolution provided for treatment in the fall. That is also still the case: following a request from us, the motion was placed on the agenda for this December for a vote. The tree on the south side by the police station is debatable. But in our opinion, the four trees must come – they will significantly enhance the city center.

Support our proposal and write to the local council with your opinion on trees in the market square: fraktionen@karlsruhe.de