Hannes Gadermaier not only runs the tree nursery of the same name in the Innviertel, but is also chairman of the Association of Austrian Forest Tree Nurseries. He knows trees and their growth requirements like no other – and knows what climate changes mean for them.
OÖN: Has the weather been favorable for the trees so far?
Gadermair: From the trees’ point of view, the wet autumn and winter were optimal, these are ideal conditions. However, due to the warm temperatures, we are there earlier and the trees are already blooming. This poses a risk of frost damage if it gets cold again. This is called frost-drought. Because at eight degrees plus and cold nights, evaporation occurs. The buds can dry out because the roots are still in hibernation due to the cold ground and are not supplying moisture and nutrients in the necessary quantities. Some trees, such as the oak, are generally later and therefore less affected.
The Douglas fir is often mentioned as the tree of the future. Rightly so?
Only partially. The Douglas fir doesn’t necessarily like warm days and cold nights either. And it is not suitable for every location – for example not for the Limestone Alpine region, such as the Salzkammergut. The clay soils in the Innviertel are also not a suitable substrate for this tree. In principle, Douglas fir can withstand warmer temperatures better and is also a good alternative to timber. It’s not just dry periods that are problematic for trees, but pests in particular. Because every tree has its own pest. There are also fungi that cause massive damage to some tree species such as ash trees.
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Source: Nachrichten
