Earlier this month, Brno city council approved a new strategy for tree-planting in the historic city centre. The Concept of Trees in the Historic Center of Brno, prepared by the Brno City Architect’s Office, aims to create better conditions for new and existing trees in the historic core, which is one of the City’s priorities in terms of the improvement of public spaces. As well as setting out long-term principles for working with trees, the document will above all allow tree-planting and management to be coordinated in a timely manner with transport, utility networks, parking, monument protection and other requirements. It will come into effect on 1 February 2027.
“We want more healthy trees in the historic center of Brno to provide shade, cool the streets, and make staying in the city more enjoyable,” said Petr Bořecký, Brno city councillor for planning. “But today, they often do not have enough space for their roots or access to water and air. The new concept gives us a common long-term idea of how to create better conditions for trees when renovating streets and squares. So we are not just concerned about their number, but above all about them being able to really grow and fulfill their function for many decades.”
The concept was prepared by the Brno City Architect’s Office, taking into account the urban, architectural, cultural-historical and environmental values of the city centre, as well as local restrictions and scheduled plans. It does not specify the exact locations or the final number of trees in individual streets, but rather sets out the character and principles of the future layout. Detailed plans will be developed in further studies based on actual conditions. The concept was discussed with related municipal departments, the Brno-střed district, city organisations, and infrastructure management companies.
“The historic center is an extremely complex area in which a number of different needs meet,” added Petr Kratochvíl, Brno city councillor for transport. “Streets must serve pedestrians, public transport, cyclists, and supplies, and at the same time they need to ensure the functioning of technical infrastructure. Therefore, we cannot plan trees separately from other functions. Thanks to the new concept, we will be able to look for solutions that can combine individual requirements and at the same time create the best possible conditions for urban greenery when preparing reconstruction works.”
The document emphasizes sufficient space for root growth, better use of rainwater, coordination of technical infrastructure, and, where conditions allow, also planting trees with large crowns. The principles used for this concept have already been used in Brno in 2025, during the restoration of the tree line on Orlí, which thus became a pilot project for a new approach to tree planting and care.
“Planting a tree is not enough,” said Filip Chvátal, Deputy Mayor for the Environment. “If it is to thrive in the city center in the long term, it needs enough space for roots, access to water and suitable conditions for growth. These are often lacking in densely built-up areas. That is why it is important to think about trees from the beginning of the preparation of each project, not only when its form is practically ready. The concept will help us better take these needs into account and create an environment in which trees will be able to grow to their full size.”
From 1 February 2027, the concept will be binding for the departments of the Brno City Hall and municipal contributory organizations. The Brno-střed municipal district and municipal commercial companies will be recommended to use it. The concept has a long-term horizon until 2050. The follow-up schedule includes further steps in 2027–2030, while more complex projects requiring more extensive coordination will follow in the coming years.
Further information at https://kambrno.cz/stromy-v-centru/.
