Expansion of the Sidewalk on Fritz-Ritter-Straße

As part of the planned construction project, scheduled to begin on September 1, 2026, to widen the sidewalk on the west side of Fritz-Ritter-Straße, a total of five trees will need to be cut down. The tree removal is necessary to carry out the planned construction project properly and in accordance with the agreed-upon plans.

Among the trees affected are two mountain maples that already show signs of pre-existing damage and multiple injuries to their crowns. According to expert assessment, the vitality of these trees is already compromised. Preserving the trees would significantly complicate the implementation of the planned road and civil engineering work or, in some areas, make it impossible. In particular, the construction of the new curbs and the necessary connections to the street drainage system would only be possible with a disproportionately high level of effort if the trees were preserved. A young field maple is also affected by the project. The tree stands directly in the area of a planned parking space and therefore cannot be integrated into the current plans.

The necessary tree removals will take place in connection with the implementation of the construction project and following appropriate technical review and approval. Tree removal will be limited to what is strictly necessary. To compensate for the five trees that will be removed, a total of seven replacement plantings are planned. This will not only ensure the required replacement but also create additional new tree stock. Suitable locations and appropriately sized tree pits are planned for the new plantings. Among other things, the so-called Stockholm Model—with sufficiently sized tree pits and appropriate measures to protect the root zone—will be taken into account.

Where possible, the replacement plantings will take place in the immediate vicinity of the construction project or at suitable locations in the surrounding area. Kommunalservice Jena asks for your understanding that the tree removals are necessary despite the high priority generally placed on tree preservation. The goal is to carry out the necessary work on Fritz-Ritter-Straße professionally while simultaneously creating a sustainable tree population for the long term through the planned replacement plantings.