Thuringia’s forests slowly heal after years of damage

Light Relief for Long-Term Patient, the Forest - Thuringia’s forests show fragile recovery after years of devastating decline

Thuringia’s forests are beginning to recover after years of severe decline. Since 2018, the region has lost two-thirds of its spruce trees, with millions of cubic meters of damaged wood piling up. But the latest 2025 Forest Condition Report now shows signs of improvement.

The state’s environment ministry reports that tree canopies have grown denser, and the amount of dead spruce has dropped sharply. In 2025, only 438,000 cubic meters of dead spruce were recorded—far less than the three million cubic meters logged the year before. Minister Tilo Kummer (BSW) described the forests as 'slowly turning green again,' crediting the progress to favourable weather and restoration work by forest owners.

Since 2018, around 23 million cubic meters of damaged wood had built up across Thuringia. Now, a younger, more resilient generation of trees is emerging, with a higher share of deciduous species replacing dying conifers. The ministry highlights projects like the 1.97-hectare restoration in Herrenheide, completed between 2024 and 2025, as part of broader efforts to rebuild forests.

Yet challenges remain. Nature conservation group NABU warns that 78% of Thuringia’s forest area is still unhealthy. They argue that intensive forestry practices continue to harm soils, undermining long-term recovery. Despite this, the share of healthy forest rose to 22% in 2025—a three-percentage-point increase from the previous year.

The 2025 report marks a cautious turnaround for Thuringia’s forests. While deadwood levels have fallen and new growth is taking hold, large areas remain damaged. The state’s recovery efforts, combined with shifting tree species, suggest a slow but measurable shift toward more stable woodland.