October 25, 2024, 11:32 am | Read time: 2 minutes
The American red oak was voted Tree of the Year 2025. myHOMEBOOK explains why this colorful tree made it onto the podium.
The American red oak originates from the eastern and central United States and parts of Canada. With a height of up to 35 meters and a spreading crown, the oak is a real eye-catcher – but not only because of its size. In the fall, its green foliage turns a beautiful shade of red. The “Dr. Silvius Wodarz Foundation” has named it “Tree of the Year 2025” due to its other positive characteristics.
Why the American red oak was named Tree of the Year 2025
“Thanks to its robust growth habit and ability to thrive in changing climatic conditions, the American red oak is particularly well suited to adapting to the challenges of climate change,” says Stefan Meier, President of the “Tree of the Year” Foundation.
The fast-growing red oak symbolizes the adaptability and resilience of our forests. It will continue to play an important role in sustainable management and the production of valuable timber in the future, explains Georg Schirmbeck. He is President of the German Forestry Council and patron of the Tree of the Year 2025.
The Tree of the Year 2025 performs important functions in forests
The role of the American red oak in preventing forest fires is particularly important. “In the extensive pine cultures standing on sandy soils, the risk of forest fires is significantly reduced by so-called ‘fire bars’, planting strips created with red oak. The hard-to-ignite foliage of red oaks restricts the spread of fire through the treetops, and the equally hard-to-ignite, dense red oak leaf litter slows the spread of ground fires,” says the Dr. Silvius Wodarz Foundation. At the same time, the red oak can sprout again quickly after being damaged by fire, which makes it important for reforestation.
Arachnologist Explains Nosferatu spider now “widespread” in Germany! How dangerous is it?
Varieties, Care, Decoration What You Should Definitely Look out for When Buying a Christmas tree
Interior designer reveals The color trends for fall 2024
The Tree of the Year has been chosen since 1989
The Dr. Silvius Wodarz Foundation has been naming the Tree of the Year since 1989. Last year, it was the European rowan.