Talking Tree system

How does a TTree work?

A Talking Tree is a tree equipped with sensor technology. This sensor technology makes it possible to observe in real time and with high accuracy the response of trees to environmental parameters, to gain an impression of their vitality or to quantify their ecosystem services. With a Talking Tree from UGT, we offer an all-round carefree package where we take care of everything from installation to data handling and visualization.

Where are there already Talking Trees?

Talking Trees already exist. They are spread all over Germany, e.g. in Eberswalde, Augsburg, Berchtesgaden, Eichstätt and in the Botanical Garden in Munich. We at Umwelt-Geräte-Technik GmbH have made a beech tree tweet at the Britz experimental site in Eberswalde and in the botanical garden of the University of Ulm. These and 20 other trees at seven locations are in turn part of the Europe-wide Treewatch network (https://treewatch.net/), which is coordinated by Ghent University.

Why TTree?

• Environmental education for every generation
• Example for climate change adaptation & mitigation measures 
• Recognizing, understanding and experiencing connections between nature and people
• Creating an understanding of the needs of trees and plants
• Arouse interest in the (native) plant world, also in connection with regional workshops
• Get to know scientific work
• Demonstrating positive benefits of plants for the environment & people
• Present ecophysiological relationships in an easily understandable way

What are Talking Trees used for?

Most of the Talking Trees have so far been used against a purely scientific background. Growth, water consumption and the reaction of trees to drought are the main focus here. However, it is also possible, for example, to derive the cooling capacity and carbon storage of trees, the so-called 'ecosystem services', from the measured parameters. In this way, we make it possible to go beyond internal tree processes and present the topic "What does a tree do for climate protection and its environment?" in a way that everyone can understand. This information is available in real time via the Internet and can be presented in a more or less playful way in our three product variants Science, Public Science and Public.

What makes the TTree so special?

The tree "speaks" and reveals its mood to us. Through these human characteristics we create a connection to the tree. At any time, observers can experience the condition of the tree and see its contribution to climate protection live.