Thuringia’s forests show fragile signs of recovery after years of decline

After losing two-thirds of its spruce population, Thuringia sees hope in younger, resilient trees. But is 22% recovery enough to save its forests?

, and Administrator

2026 January 13 . 4:05 PM

1 min read

The image shows a forest filled with lots of tall spruce trees, their branches reaching up towards... — The image shows a forest filled with lots of tall spruce trees, their branches reaching up towards the sky. The ground is covered in lush green grass and other plants, creating a peaceful atmosphere.

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

Thuringia’s forests are beginning to recover after years of severe damage. A new report shows a slight improvement in tree health, with 22% of the forest area now classified as healthy. Officials credit better weather and restoration work for the progress.

The latest figures mark a small but notable increase from 2024, when only 19% of the region’s forests were considered healthy. Environment Minister Tilo Kummer (BSW) called the shift encouraging, stating, 'We’re fortunate that Thuringia’s forests are slowly turning green again.' He admitted, however, that 22% healthy forest remains far from ideal.

Tree canopies have grown denser in some areas, while younger, more resilient forests—richer in deciduous species—are emerging where older trees died off. The ministry linked the 2025 gains to 'forest-friendly' weather and targeted efforts by landowners. Yet, the environmental group NABU Thuringia disputed the optimism, pointing out that '78% of Thuringia’s forest area is still unhealthy.'

The decline of spruce trees has slowed dramatically. In 2025, just 438,000 cubic meters of dead spruce were recorded, down from over three million cubic meters the previous year. Since 2018, the region has lost two-thirds of its spruce population, with 23 million cubic meters of damaged wood piling up in total.

While the 2025 report signals a cautious improvement, the long-term health of Thuringia’s forests remains uncertain. The drop in deadwood and the rise of younger, more diverse trees suggest some recovery. Yet, with nearly four-fifths of the forest still struggling, officials and conservationists continue to monitor the situation closely.