University of Hohenheim researchers deployed a 31-inch drone with a multispectral camera and roughly 100 on-tree sensors to monitor tree health in the Hohenheim Gardens. Weekly thermal and optical flights combined with sensor data enable early detection of drought stress and targeted irrigation, reducing water waste. Backed by €350,000 (≈$406,000), the pilot aims to strengthen centuries-old urban trees against heat and could serve as a model for green spaces across Germany.
High-Tech Drones Shield Stuttgart’s Ancient Trees from Heat and Drought
University of Hohenheim researchers deployed a 31-inch drone with a multispectral camera and roughly 100 on-tree sensors to monitor tree health in the Hohenheim Gardens. Weekly thermal and optical flights combined with sensor data enable early detection of drought stress and targeted irrigation, reducing water waste. Backed by €350,000 (≈$406,000), the pilot aims to strengthen centuries-old urban trees against heat and could serve as a model for green spaces across Germany.
13:26, 05.11.2025Environment
High-tech monitoring protects centuries-old trees in Stuttgart
Researchers at the University of Hohenheim are combining nature and technology to monitor and protect some of Stuttgart’s oldest trees. The team uses a 31-inch drone equipped with a multispectral camera that, together with roughly 100 on-tree sensors, produces a detailed, tree-by-tree picture of moisture levels and physiological stress.
Flying on a weekly schedule, the drone collects thermal and optical imagery to identify early signs of drought stress and to refine watering recommendations. When paired with continuous data from the on-tree sensors, the system enables targeted irrigation—reducing water waste and delivering care tailored to each individual tree rather than relying on blanket watering or delayed, reactive treatment.
Why this matters: Urban trees improve air quality, lower city temperatures and provide valuable green space, yet mature specimens are increasingly threatened by rising temperatures and prolonged drought. Traditional monitoring tends to be labour-intensive and slow to detect early stress, which can leave long-lived trees vulnerable to irreversible damage. Hohenheim’s 'climate-smart gardening' approach aims to detect problems sooner and support more effective, efficient interventions.
Dr. Helmut Dalitz, scientific director of the Hohenheim Gardens: 'Our high-tech drone often sparks curious questions from visitors. Our team on site is always happy to explain what our new airborne assistant is all about.'
The project received €350,000 (about $406,000 USD) in funding. Project leaders say it 'could become a model for green spaces across Germany.' Similar drone-and-sensor systems are already used in agriculture to spot crop disease, and adaptive technologies like this are being promoted as scalable tools for resilient urban greening.
Takeaway: By combining aerial multispectral imaging with local sensor networks, the Hohenheim project provides an actionable, water-efficient strategy to protect valuable urban trees from climate stress while engaging the public and offering a blueprint for other cities.