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Solar panels or trees? Specifications for large parking spaces

In accordance with Section 48 (1a) sentence 3 BauO NRW 2018, at least one suitable deciduous tree can be planted and maintained for every five parking spaces in the parking area to fulfil the obligation to install a photovoltaic system above commercial parking spaces with more than 35 required parking spaces. The aim is to minimise the impression of a large paved area of land.

These notes provide guidance on the planning and implementation of replacement planting in accordance with Section 48 (1a) sentence 3 of the Building Code for the State of North Rhine-Westphalia (BauO NRW 2018).

Are there requirements for the trees? What do these look like?

Yes, there are requirements for the trees. These result from the following criteria:

  • Tree species: Native and/or site-appropriate deciduous trees I. or II. Order. You will find a list under "Which tree species are recommended?"
  • Trunk circumference: At least 16/18 cm (measured at a height of 1.00 m).
  • Crown base: At least 1.80 m high.
  • Root space: At least 3.00 m x 5.00 m area and 1.5 m depth, rootable.
  • Tree substrate: In accordance with the FLL guidelines for tree planting (construction method 1).
  • Protective measures: Protection from motor vehicles.
  • Planting beds: To be laid out at ground level or with water guiding boards.

Which tree species are recommended?

The following tree species are recommended:

  • Acer campestre (field maple)
  • Acer platanoides 'Columnare' (Norway maple)
  • Acer rubrum 'Armstrong' (red maple)
  • Acer rubrum 'Scanlon' (red maple)
  • Carpinus betulus (hornbeam)
  • Fraxinus angustifolia 'Raywood' (narrow-leaved ash)
  • Fraxinus pensylvanica 'Summit' (red ash)
  • Gleditsia triacanthos inermis (leather tree)
  • Gymnocladus dioicus (antler tree)
  • Liquidambar styraciflua (amber tree)
  • Liriodendron tulipifera (tulip tree)
  • Platanus x hispanica (plane tree)
  • Quercus palustris (swamp oak)
  • Sophora japonica (Japanese cord tree)
  • Tilia tomentosa 'Brabant' (silver lime)

Note: This list is not exhaustive. Other suitable tree species can be found in the GALK list "Future trees for the city". The brochure can be downloaded free of charge from the following link: https://galk.de/arbeitskreise/stadtbaeume/themenuebersicht/zukunftsbaeume-fuer-die-stadt/

What is the deadline for planting?

The planting must be carried out at the latest in the planting period following the completion of the car park.

Example plantings

Here you will find sample drawings of how the planting in the car parks could look: