The summer of 2026 also posed major challenges for Europe’s forests. Wildfires in numerous regions across Europe highlighted the consequences of heat and drought. According to data from the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS), approximately 254,000 hectares of land in the EU had already been affected by wildfires as of July 22. With 1,254 major fires recorded, the number at that time was more than double the long-term average. The area burned was also above the average for the past 20 years.
This makes the importance of healthy and resilient forests all the more evident. Nearly half of Austria is covered by forest: More than four million hectares—or about 48 percent of the country’s total area —are forested. This makes Austria one of the most forested countries in Europe. But forests are far more than just a large green expanse: they provide wood as a renewable resource, serve as a habitat for about two-thirds of native species, store carbon, and protect settlements and infrastructure from natural hazards.
The importance of protective forests is particularly striking: About 42 percent of Austria’s forest area serves a protective function. According to the Federal Ministry, without this natural protective infrastructure, nearly 50 percent of Austria’s living and economic space could not be used in its current form.
[Quellen: Bundesministerium für Land- und Forstwirtschaft, European Forest Fire Information System]
Reforestation is an investment that spans decades
With the arrival of fall, an important season for reforestation and replanting begins. This is no longer simply a matter of filling in gaps with trees. The forests being established or regenerated today must be able to cope with the climatic conditions of the coming decades.
The choice of tree species, the origin of the planting stock, the quality of the planting, and the conditions at the specific site all play a key role. At the same time, water supply during the establishment phase is becoming increasingly important.
After all, even a tree that is well-adapted to drier conditions over the long term must first become established. Young forest trees have only a limited root system and are not yet able to draw water from deeper soil layers. It is precisely during this phase that prolonged periods without precipitation can lead to high mortality rates.
Making Better Use of Precipitation
One way to support young plants during this sensitive phase is to keep existing water in the immediate root zone for a longer period of time. Water-retaining granules such as Polygrain or Polygrain Tab 5 are incorporated directly into the soil during planting; they absorb rainwater and release it back into the environment as dry conditions set in.
This method can be integrated into both manual planting and modern mechanized planting processes. This allows for water storage to be factored in right from the start when establishing a new stand—rather than reacting to drought stress only after it has already occurred.
Especially when it comes to an investment intended to last for decades, a successful start plays a key role in determining how the forest of tomorrow will develop.
