Munich – Several trees at the Viktualienmarkt that were planted only in 2023 have withered, even though the operators had contracted specialist companies to handle their care and watering. One company was tasked with the regular maintenance of the roof-trained plane trees, while another was explicitly responsible for watering. In addition, a flower vendor watered them as needed during periods of intense heat. Nevertheless, several trees and the surrounding greenery show severe signs of drought damage. So far, the municipal market authority (Märkte München) has been unable to explain the cause. This brings one main question to the fore: which paid services were actually performed and verified?
Viktualienmarkt: Maintenance and watering duties were explicitly assigned
The care of the trees was by no means left to chance. According to Märkte München, there was a standing maintenance contract for the plane trees on the roof. In addition, another company had been contracted to handle watering. Nevertheless, during periods of intense heat, a flower vendor had to pick up a watering can and do the job herself.
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It is precisely this circumstance that makes the situation noteworthy. CSU parliamentary group leader Manuel Pretzl credits the vendor with providing the extra watering for at least one tree: “My thanks go to the one vendor who actually watered the tree herself and thus kept at least one tree alive.” However, it remains unclear whether the contractually agreed-upon watering was carried out adequately.
Despite the use of service providers, the cause of the trees drying out remains undetermined.
So far, Die Märkte München has merely stated that the specific cause cannot be pinpointed. The frequency of maintenance has since been increased. In addition, the contracted company is to re-examine the plane trees on short notice. However, the operator is only taking this action after the damage has already become clearly visible.
Information provided to date does not reveal how often the companies actually watered the trees previously. It also remains unclear how Die Märkte München monitored the agreed-upon services. Consequently, the unusually hot and dry weather is not the sole factor; after all, professional contracts for maintenance and water supply were in place precisely to address such conditions.
€700,000 Upgrade Was Also Meant to Provide Shade
The damaged plane trees are part of a larger project at the Viktualienmarkt. In 2023, Munich invested a total of around €700,000 to upgrade the historic market. However, that sum covered far more than just the trees; it also included planters, seating, bicycle racks, display cases, and new lighting. The city partially funded these measures using EU resources from the REACT-EU initiative.
The six canopy plane trees served a specific purpose: they were intended not merely for decoration but to provide shade on hot days. Their current condition—after only about three years—is therefore particularly concerning. Pretzl believes most of the trees are beyond saving. Should replacement plantings prove necessary, additional costs could arise. For the time being, Märkte München (Munich’s municipal markets authority) cannot quantify the potential extra expense.
The issue, therefore, goes beyond mere withered plants. The city had spent money on greenery and arranged for professional maintenance. Despite this, several trees have suffered severe damage, while the cause remains unclear. Before replacements are procured, it is essential to verify whether the paid-for maintenance was carried out in accordance with the contract. Such oversight is crucial, especially given upcoming multi-million-euro greening programs.
Author: Blackout News
Sources: Merkur (26.08.26) – OVB Heimatzeitungen (26.08.26) – Hallo München (25.08.26) – München Rathaus Umschau (03.08.26)