German towns Dittenheim and Usingen start innovative tree‑planting projects

The Bavarian municipality of Dittenheim has begun planting fruit trees at its primary school using the Affolter method, which groups multiple seedlings together to create micro‑ecosystems that reduce water loss and support wildlife. The project is funded by local energy provider N‑Ergie, which allocates one cent per kilowatt‑hour of its green electricity product to regional environmental initiatives. Species such as black walnut, amber tree and cherry plum have already been established on a sealed parking area.

In the Hessian town of Usingen, the volunteer association "Vielfalt genießen" has planted around 3,500 nut seedlings – including butternut, hickory and chestnut – on a one‑hectare forest plot. The effort, backed by the EU LEADER program, includes an educational trail with nine information boards and aims to provide locally grown, climate‑resilient food in the coming decades. The trees are protected from harsh weather by fencing and will eventually be accessible for free nut collection.