Rapid deterioration: Barely a quarter of Hungarian forests healthy

Tree mortality in Hungary is dramatic. In less than ten years, the proportion of asymptomatic trees has halved. Overall, barely a quarter of Hungarian forests are healthy.

Unhealthy forests

According to a report by the European Environment Agency, the proportion of dead canopy trees in the European Union has doubled since the late 20th century. One in four trees is losing moderate to severe foliage, and the rate of defoliation is increasing.

The loss of trees in Hungary is dramatic, G7 writes. In less than ten years, the proportion of asymptomatic trees has decreased by 50%. As unbelievable as it sounds, only 3% of black pines and 6.5% of pedunculate oaks are healthy. Climate change is also expected to cause the disappearance of pines and beeches from Hungary.

Why are healthy trees important?

The health of trees is key to the survival of forest ecosystems, plant and animal habitats. Moreover, healthy forests help clean water and air. This can mitigate the effects of climate change. The economic aspect is also considerable. The average loss due to deterioration is around 79 million cubic metres per year in the EU. This represents 16% of the EU’s annual wood harvest.

Across Europe, the rate of tree canopy loss is accelerating at 1.5% per year, double the rate at the end of the last century. It now affects 1% of the EU’s forest area.

Forest fires in Hungary

Forest fires also decimate wooded areas. In Hungary, more forest area was burnt last summer than in all the forest fires of the last 14 years combined.

What to expect?

The acceleration of canopy loss would change the current ageing trend of European forests, G7 writes based on the report. This has implications for carbon sequestration capacities and biodiversity, as mature forests store large amounts of carbon and provide valuable habitats.

Read also:

If you would like to support the work of the Daily News Hungary staff and independent journalism,
please make a donation here