Baden-Baden – Lichtentaler Allee and a tree
A tree in Baden-Baden makes history: removal of the main trunk and the continued survival of the large weeping beech on Lichtentaler Allee
The weeping beech has long been a jewel of the avenue and, despite its advanced age, possesses admirable vitality—once you’ve put down roots in Baden-Baden, you stay! (ENGLISH, DEUTSCH, FRANÇAIS)
Baden-Baden – Lichtentaler Allee. A tree in Baden-Baden is making history - natural history - because this large weeping beech (*Fagus sylvatica* ‘Pendula’) is an integral part of the Lichtentaler Allee landscape. Everyone who passes by admires this living natural monument, which proves the point: once you’ve put down roots in Baden-Baden, you stay! This is demonstrated by the large weeping beech located near the Museum LA8 (Museum of 19th-Century Art and Technology). Removing the main trunk of this approximately 150-year-old weeping beech on Lichtentaler Allee will not jeopardize its continued existence at the site. Not only will the decaying main trunk remain on the ground to serve as a valuable habitat for insects and beetles, but the tree has also sent roots into the soil via its branches, allowing it to continue growing.
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| Stone fountain in front of the weeping beech – Museum LA8 in the background, Photo: Helga Waess (August 2026) |
As recently as last month, the large weeping beech—whose trunk had been kept standing by steel supports since 2006—graced the impressive spa gardens of the Lichtentaler Allee in Baden-Baden.
Now, after 20 years, the tree's main trunk has had to be cut down.
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| Steel supports hold the old tree's trunk, ensuring its structural stability. Photo: Helga Waess – Press Photo Archive |
Trees Make History, Too
In March 2019, the tree's central main crown had to be removed because parts of it had died. However, a section of the main trunk—approximately seven meters long and still bearing some green branches—was left standing at the time. It continued to be secured by steel supports. The aim of these measures was to allow the large weeping beech to die off slowly and visibly—a process made possible by the protective fence that had long been in place.
Over the past two years, the remaining main trunk had continued to decay.
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| Stone fountain in front of the weeping beech – Museum LA8 in the background, Photo: Helga Waess (August 2026) |
All the green branches had gradually died off. Eventually, there was a risk that the rotten main trunk might collapse despite the steel supports.
Consequently, the Parks Department decided to remove the main trunk and lay it down within the cordoned-off area. There, it can continue to decompose; its soft wood and decaying matter will create a valuable habitat for numerous insects, particularly rare and protected beetle species. The slow process of the tree’s death and decomposition at the end of its life will also remain visible to the public. The steel supports are being removed.
The large, old weeping beech in the Lichtentaler Allee features a unique characteristic found in only a few weeping beeches within Germany's historic gardens.
Where its branches touched the ground, they took root, allowing new "daughter trees" to emerge from these natural "layers"—trees that remain genetically part of the original large weeping beech.
Biologically, therefore, the tree is by no means dead; it continues to exist as an impressive silhouette and a green backdrop for the stone fountain in the Lichtentaler Allee.
Markus Brunsing, Head of the Parks Department, explained the entire process and background during a press event. Following the removal of the main trunk, he emphasized:
"The goal was always to allow this tree to age with dignity. It has such a long history, is a jewel of the avenue, and—despite its advanced age—possesses admirable vitality."
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| Impressive trees along the Lichtentaler Allee in Baden-Baden radiate stability and tranquility—another weeping beech in front of the Frieder Burda Museum in Baden-Baden; photo: Helga Waess – September 2026 |
Location: Lichtentaler Allee, 76530 Baden-Baden, Germany
Background information: Press release from the City of Baden-Baden
Photos: Helga Waess
