Prague to Plant Climate-Resistant Trees in Effort to Cool the City

Prague City plans to introduce 900 climate-resilient trees to its streets over the coming years.

By planting species unfamiliar to Czech landscapes, the city hopes to combat rising urban temperatures and prepare for more intense heat waves and droughts. Officials will monitor these species closely to determine which are best suited for long-term urban cooling.

The pilot program will plant 900 new trees across the city—many from Asia, North America, and Southern Europe. This innovative program aims to identify species that can withstand high temperatures and dry conditions, ultimately helping to cool the city and improve air quality.

“Climate change is relentless in urban settings,” states Jana Komrsková, Prague’s Deputy Mayor for the Environment and Climate Plan. “Our city needs trees that thrive in tougher climates. It’s not just about planting; it’s about making sure these green spaces flourish to act as a ‘natural air conditioner’ for Prague.”

Traditional Czech street trees like maples, ash, lindens, and hawthorns have struggled to survive due to drought, temperature fluctuations, and new pests that have emerged with climate change. These species often cannot endure prolonged summer heat waves and fluctuating weather patterns.

In response, Prague is now planting more adaptable species such as the variable oak (Quercus variabilis), which has origins in warmer climates. Experts will monitor the trees’ health and resilience, selecting those that prove most capable of thriving in Prague’s changing climate.

Accelerating Tree Adaptation by Up to 20 Years

The pilot project is expected to advance tree species selection by 15-20 years, bypassing the slower process of responding to market demand and nursery availability. A team of experts will track 90 test sites with ten trees of each species, observing growth, resilience, and other factors like allergen levels and aesthetic qualities.

Initial results are anticipated within six to eight years, with the project scheduled to last a decade. Species that excel in Prague’s conditions will be prioritized for wider planting, based on their cooling potential and compatibility with the urban landscape.

A Model for Other Czech Cities

According to Štěpán Kyjovský, Director of the Environmental Protection Department of Prague Municipality, “This project offers Prague the chance to lead in climate adaptation. The results could guide other Czech cities in choosing climate-resistant tree species.”

Key participants include the Technical Administration of Communications, Forests of the City of Prague, Environmental Protection Department, and the Institute of Planning and Development.

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