When we look at what was thriving 30 years later, some rows have thinned out. The spruce, a tree typical of the Harz region, has completely disappeared. So here we have 11 other tree species, including pines and a few firs. Drought and bark beetles have taken their toll. "All the trees have died," says Gutbier. Damage caused by extreme weather remains at a high level in state forests, the Saxony-Anhalt state forestry ministry said. New treeless areas grew by 2,200 hectares in the first half of 2022 alone, the spokesman said. About 1.5 million solid cubic meters of wood were harvested. (The Star)