Hungary's pine forests and city green spaces wilt under extreme drought

In Hungary's Mátra mountain range, prolonged drought, high temperatures and lack of rain have accelerated the death of pine stands, especially Scots pine and black pine. The trees lose needles and bark, leaving dry, fire‑prone trunks that also threaten visitors and infrastructure. EGERERDŐ Zrt. says the dead wood will be removed and the cleared areas replanted with a mix of native broad‑leaf species to create more resilient forests.

The same drought conditions are evident in the city of Kecskemét, where groundwater levels have fallen and municipal lawns and trees are turning brown. The city's non‑profit service provider reports that most green areas are dry, with limited irrigation possible. Natural‑friendly maintenance practices cannot offset the severe water shortage, leading to a visible desert‑like transformation of the urban landscape.