Pollution has severely damaged the tops of half of Germany’s oak trees, according to a new government report.
The country’s environment ministry said severe treetop damage in oaks reached 51% last year, up from just 9% in 1984.
The overall number of oaks with damaged crowns doubled in the past 11 years to 85% in 2005.
Researchers said the damage was caused by air pollution, parasites and unusual weather conditions.
