How about creating small edible plants in our cities? Places with edible trees where people can meet to harvest fruit, berries or nuts and exchange ideas? Places where young people can get back in touch with nature and our food? Such places could connect us with our history, with times when gardens and trees made an important contribution to food. And who knows: perhaps the importance of local food that is free for the population will increase again.

The importance of urban trees

Urban trees are our green heroes. They provide shade, improve air quality, regulate the urban climate and provide habitat for numerous animal species. Their tree trunks and roots can absorb rainwater and thus reduce the risk of flooding.

And trees can do even more: They can produce fruit, nuts or edible leaves, thereby providing fresh and healthy food right on our doorsteps. Let's take a look at a prominent example.

Edible city of Andernach

Andernach is a pioneer in the German-speaking world for edible plants in the city. Lutz Kosack, the former landscape planner of the Andernach city administration and initiator of the edible city of Andernach, describes in a Articles his city as follows:
"In addition to tomatoes, we grow salads, chard, beans and herbs. And persimmons, bananas and grapes grow on the old city wall. Instead of "entering prohibited" we say in Andernach: "picking is allowed". And all in organic quality ."

According to Kosack, one of the goals was to design public green spaces more creatively and to promote urban biodiversity in light of the difficult budget situation. The areas and beds of the edible city of Andernach were maintained by involving unemployed people.  

The aim was to integrate ecological, economic and social aspects into an overall concept.

You can also find more information about the edible city of Andernach in this article. 

Here is another Ted Talk about what is probably the first edible city ever (only available in English): 

What are the benefits of edible trees in cities?

• Edible urban trees contribute to local food production. They provide a source of food right on your doorstep.
• Edible trees promote biodiversity in urban areas. They provide habitat and food for a variety of insects, birds and small mammals.
• Like all trees, edible species help improve air quality by binding CO₂ and releasing oxygen. They also regulate the microclimate, provide shade and reduce heat build-up in sealed urban areas.
• Edible trees can strengthen the community. Collective harvesting and tree care provide opportunities for social interaction and raise awareness of sustainable lifestyles. They also encourage citizens' commitment to preserving and maintaining urban green spaces.
• Educational and recreational value: Edible trees provide an excellent opportunity for educational projects. They can help schools and community groups learn about how food is grown and the importance of sustainable living, and they create attractive, green recreational spaces in urban environments.

What disadvantages and challenges do edible trees bring in cities?

• Like all urban trees, edible trees require care.
• Falling fruit could injure people or cars. Fallen fruit could attract pests or become a slip hazard.
• Not all edible trees are suitable for every urban environment. Factors such as air pollution, soil quality and limited space can affect the growth and productivity of edible trees. Selecting the right tree species for each urban environment is therefore crucial.

Pros and cons weighed

• Overall, trees bring both advantages and disadvantages to every city
• Even non-edible trees produce flowers and fruits (such as the lime tree and the horse chestnut)
• Suitable locations, such as small commons, are important for edible trees

Edible trees as part of Tiny Forests

Tiny Forests are forests with high biodiversity in a small area, planted according to the method of the Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki. These small forests offer a variety of ecological benefits. When edible trees are integrated into these Tiny Forests, a valuable combination of urban biodiversity and local food source is created.

A central principle of the Tiny Forest method is high planting density, which results in a fast-growing, dense forest. Edible trees can be integrated in different layers to use the space efficiently:

• Upper tree layer: Large, edible trees such as walnut or chestnut can form the top layer.
• Lower tree layer: Smaller fruit trees such as cherry or apple trees fit well in the middle to lower tier.
• Shrub layer: Berry bushes such as raspberries or currants can enrich the lower part of the forest and provide additional edible fruits.

The combination of these different layers creates a dynamic and productive ecosystem that provides both food and habitat for wildlife.

Integrating edible trees into tiny forests is an innovative way to make urban spaces not only greener, but also more nutritious and livable. Through the right selection of tree species, careful maintenance and community involvement, tiny forests with edible trees can make a significant contribution to urban biodiversity, food security and environmental awareness. This model could be groundbreaking for the future of our cities, in which nature and people live in sustainable harmony.

Examples of edible trees in cities

• Apple tree (Malus domestica): Apple trees are among the most popular fruit trees. They are relatively easy to care for and offer a variety of varieties that are adapted to different climates.

• Walnut tree (Juglans regia): Walnut trees provide nutritious nuts that can be stored for long periods of time. A walnut tree in a park is also the ideal place for a shady summer seating area, as it not only provides shade, but its scent also repels unwanted insects such as mosquitoes and flies.

• Fig tree (Ficus carica): Fig trees thrive in mild climates and produce sweet, energy-rich fruits. Their deep roots make them robust in urban conditions.

• Mulberry tree (Morus spp.): Another example of an easy-care tree that produces edible fruit, the mulberry tree is resistant to disease and drought while providing shade and protection.

• Sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa): The sweet chestnut is not only a beautiful tree, but also a valuable source of food. Its edible nuts are rich in carbohydrates and offer a good alternative to grain products.

• Cherry plum (Prunus cerasifera). Cherry plums and mirabelles bear delicious fruits that ripen in July before most other plums. The tree and fruits are relatively small, usually smaller than plums. The wild plum species are undemanding and require little care, but can still produce a rich harvest.

Additional information

• Website: mundraub.org is the largest German-language platform for the discovery and use of edible landscapes. On the mundraub map you can find locations with fruit trees, fruit bushes, nuts and herbs or map them yourself. .
• Book: Go out! Your city is edible: 36 healthy plants on your doorstep and over 100 recipes that save money and make you happy