Mauerbach tree nursery

What thrives here shapes our cityscape and climate

Alexander Stepanek-Voglhuber manages the nursery. The palm tree has survived many winters outdoors without any special protection.(Bild: Jöchl Martin)

In Mauerbach, the city is testing new tree varieties in view of climate change. They have to withstand heat waves and pollutants and look pretty. What thrives here will adorn Vienna's streets and parks in the future, and in some cases already does. 

Even if it doesn't look like it after the heavy rain. Heat waves in summer and dry spells are getting longer. This takes its toll on the almost 500,000 trees in the city. In Mauerbach in the 14th district, MA 42 (Stadtgärten) runs a tree nursery that is twice the size of the city park. New varieties are tested here and grown for several years before they are released into the wild to shape our cityscape and the climate in Vienna.

The "Krone" took a look at the facility in the far west of Vienna. The Oriental plane tree, which is being planted in the 22nd district (Genochplatz, Donaustadtstraße), is very popular. It is suitable for squares and wide streets, explains Alexander Stepanek-Voglhuber, head of the tree nursery.

The plant is not open to the public. Schools, kindergartens and private groups can book guided tours in advance.(Bild: Jöchl Martin)

In narrow streets, field maples are used, which are less expansive. Alongside ornamental pear and hackberry, field maple is one of the three varieties that have been planted most frequently in recent years.

The young trees are cultivated in the nursery for three to five years before being planted out in the city.(Bild: Jöchl Martin)

Stepanek-Voglhuber with a silver lime tree. Its leaves are velvety, so less water evaporates.(Bild: Jöchl Martin)

Tool for digging up trees together with their roots.(Bild: Jöchl Martin)

The number of chestnut trees is decreasing. One or two specimens are still being replaced in parks or avenues. Chestnut trees are no longer used on a large scale, says Stepanek-Voglhuber, who has been a gardener for 35 years. To make the young trees fit for the harsh reality, they are replanted up to five times in the nursery. This stimulates the growth of fine roots, which helps them to survive.

Anyone who thinks that Vienna will look like the south in 20 years' time - with palm trees and banana bushes on every corner - is mistaken. These exotic plants do thrive in Mauerbach, but only as a hobby for the employees. Alex Schönherr