Kickoff for our FERI Corporate Forest – Working Together for Climate Protection and Biodiversity

In cooperation with Planted and the Bad Homburg Forestry Department, our FERI Corporate Forest officially launched this spring.

Equipped with shovels and work gloves, we headed for the Taunus Mountains. What we saw there was an impressive sight: forest areas clearly marked by the effects of climate change — and at the same time, the opportunity to actively contribute to the stabilization and recovery of the forest ourselves.

To kick things off, forester and district manager Johannes Kreß (Bad Homburg Forestry) and climate forester Leonhard Molitor (Planted) provided an introduction to the site’s unique characteristics. They discussed the importance of climate-resilient tree species and explained the proper technique for planting young saplings step by step. After an introduction to planting techniques and soil science, the hands-on work began: In just under two hours, 210 new sessile oaks were planted in four to five rows — spaced one meter apart to ensure optimal growing conditions.

Why We Plant Trees

Forests play a central role in the climate, the environment, and biodiversity. At the same time, they are under increasing pressure — from rising temperatures, droughts, storms, and pest infestations, among other factors. Sustainable reforestation is therefore a key component in stabilizing forest ecosystems over the long term and preserving their natural functions.

With the FERI Corporate Forest, we make a tangible contribution to environmental and climate protection. By planting new trees, we support:

• the long-term sequestration of CO₂,
• the natural storage and filtration of drinking water,
• the improvement of air quality through the filtration of dust and pollutants,
• the preservation and promotion of habitats for animal and plant species, and
• the development of diverse, interconnected forest ecosystems. 

From Monoculture to Climate-Resilient Mixed Forest

Over the next few years, a total of 5,000 new saplings will be planted as part of the FERI corporate forest. The existing stand of beech, pine, and larch will be strategically supplemented across an area of approximately one hectare. The focus is on one-year-old sessile oaks, which are particularly well-suited to sites with variable moisture levels to drier conditions. The goal is an ecologically diverse, climate-resilient mixed forest that contributes to both climate protection and the promotion of biodiversity.

Thanks to their deep root systems, oak trees play a key role in stabilizing the soil and form the foundation for a resilient mixed forest. The goal is a forest ecosystem that is resilient in the long term against pests, droughts, and extreme weather events. Mixed forests not only enhance resilience to climatic stresses but also provide significantly more ecological niches for insects, birds, and other forest species.

To protect the young seedlings during their growth phase, the planting area was fenced off with a forest fence, which prevents wildlife from browsing on them and allows them to grow undisturbed.

We will be posting regular updates on the progress of our FERI Corporate Forest here. Please feel free to check back again.

We would like to thank all FERI employees who actively participated in the planting campaign, as well as Johannes Kreß and Leonhard Molitor for their expert guidance and support.