Marl mayor suspends full tree felling on Trogemannstraße after protests

The city of Marl in Germany had planned to fell 17 amber trees on Trogemannstraße. After a demonstration of about 80 residents and an open letter signed by 25 locals, mayor Thomas Terhorst announced that a complete removal is "erst einmal vom Tisch" (off the table). The municipality will now focus on six trees whose roots have lifted the pavement, creating accident risk and drainage problems. An independent expert will be appointed and representatives of the citizen initiative will be invited for talks after the summer holidays. Marl also considers moving the weekly market to the town square to keep the street clear. If any of the six trees must be cut, it will only happen after the breeding season in autumn, and the street is slated for a redesign by 2028 with climate‑resilient tree species.

"Die Anregungen und Besorgnisse haben wir selbstverständlich ernst genommen," Terhorst added, emphasizing the city’s willingness to engage with protesters.