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Birch trees were long considered unprofitable trees in forestry. But where bark beetles and drought leave bare patches in the forest, the birch tree thrives. It also requires hardly any care and practically sows itself. Have we underestimated the birch tree, is it the tree of the future? “Inferior softwood”, “unstable and displaces other tree species” - birch trees have long had a poor reputation among foresters and forest owners. Instead, they relied on fast-growing conifers such as spruce. But bark beetles and the effects of climate change have made life difficult for many of these trees. Whether in the Harz or the Bavarian Forest: bare patches and dead trees now characterize the image of many forests. But where other trees leave gaps, the fast-growing birch tree feels right at home. District manager Carmen Hornbach from the Kulmbach municipal utilities therefore sees the birch tree as the future of Bavarian forests. Will the birch tree become a problem solver, true to the motto: yesterday yuck, today great? Even if the birch pays off ecologically and thus makes sustainable forestry possible: Can you also make money with the tree? Author: Kirsten Zesewitz From the broadcast of October 28, 2022 Our country on the Internet: https://www.br.de/unserland Follow us on Facebook: / unser.land #birke #wald #unserland