Politics · Switzerland · 2 days ago
Winterthur tests leaving fallen leaves in a park over winter
Winterthur, a city in Switzerland, is testing a new way to manage fallen leaves.
In Lindengut Park, workers have fenced off the bases of large trees and will leave leaves inside those areas over winter.
The leaves are expected to break down and add nutrients to the soil, while improving its structure.
The city says it now sees leaves as a resource rather than waste.
If the trial works, about a third of the leaves in city green spaces—roughly 90 tonnes—could be left in place in future.
Leaves will still be collected around street trees for safety reasons.
They will also be cleared from paths, paved areas, sports lawns and other green spaces that people use.
Winterthur is testing a plan to leave fallen leaves in Lindengutpark over winter.
The city says the leaves will enrich soil life, add nutrients and improve soil structure as they break down.
Staff have fenced around the bases of the park’s large trees for the trial.
If the test succeeds, the city plans to leave about one-third of fallen leaves in its green spaces, an estimated 90 tonnes.
Leaves will still be collected from roadside trees, paths, paved areas, sports lawns and other used green spaces for safety or practical reasons.
- Who
- The city of Winterthur is running the trial, with staff from its parks department and neighbouring municipalities preparing the site.
- What
- The trial leaves fallen leaves around tree bases to break down over winter.
- When
- Over the winter; the city announced the plan on Friday.
- Where
- Lindengutpark, also known as Vögeli-Park, in Winterthur, Switzerland.
- Why
- The city says the leaves will supply nutrients and improve soil structure.
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Staff from Winterthur’s parks department and neighbouring municipalities fenced around the bases of large trees in Lindengutpark.
Leaves within the fenced areas will remain on the ground and slowly decompose.
- Trial site
- Lindengutpark, also called Vögeli-Park
- Potential share
- One-third of leaves in city green spaces
- Estimated amount
- About 90 tonnes
- Exempt areas
- Roadside trees, paths, paved areas, sports lawns and other used green spaces
Sources
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