Insights
The whitebeam, 2024 Tree of the Year, is a true survivor. It withstands the harshest conditions and even grows in challenging soils.
The selection of the whitebeam (Sorbus aria) as Tree of the Year 2024 shines a spotlight on a native species with many qualities. Naturally hardy and adaptable, it thrives even on rocky ground and at elevations where other tree species struggle. Its understated beauty and resilience make it a wonderful addition to nature-friendly gardens and landscapes.
Whitebeams are less common in the Zurich Oberland, mainly because of the region’s heavy, damp soils. The situation is different in the Jura, where old specimens often stand as impressive witnesses to the past.
For whitebeams to thrive in less-than-ideal soil, it’s important to choose the right location. Good drainage and a pH that isn’t too high are essential.