Trees in the Czech Republic

Why trees matter so much

A tree (Latin arbor) is a perennial woody plant with a distinct main trunk that is unbranched in its lower part and supports a crown. By height, trees are divided into very tall (over 30 m), tall (8–30 m) and small (2–8 m); smaller woody plants with several stems are classed as shrubs.

Forests cover roughly a third of the Czech Republic. The country has coniferous, broadleaf and mixed forests. Conifers generally cope better with cooler climates and higher altitudes, while broadleaf trees dominate in lowlands and hill country. However, people have greatly altered the natural composition of the forests – spruce, for example, was planted for centuries even in places where it would not grow naturally.

What trees give us

• Oxygen and cleaner air: through photosynthesis they convert carbon dioxide into oxygen and trap dust. A mature broadleaf tree produces hundreds of litres of oxygen on a single day of the growing season.
• Cooler landscapes and cities: through shade and water evaporation they lower the surrounding temperature by several degrees.
• Water in the landscape: roots and forest soil retain rainfall and prevent erosion.
• A home for wildlife: a single old oak hosts hundreds of species of insects, birds, fungi and lichens.
• Timber and fruit: construction, furniture, paper and fuel, as well as fruit, nuts and herbal teas.

At stromyvcr.cz we will guide you through the broadleaf and coniferous trees of the Czech Republic – we will teach you to identify them, explain their ecology and advise you on how to care for them in your garden.