"Smart Trees": Sensors Help with Optimal Tree Watering in Vienna

Since February 2024, the Vienna City Gardens, together with Wien Energie and Wien Digital, have been testing the "Smart Trees" project. The focus is on digital soil moisture sensors used for newly planted trees. They provide data on the optimal amount of water and the right time to water. The observation period runs until the end of 2026.

Digital Technology for Targeted Watering

The aim of the project is to manage the water supply flexibly and data-based. The sensors send information via the citywide LoRaWAN network to a digital center – the so-called IoT-Base. According to project managers, initial evaluations show significant savings potential in water consumption.

In the fall of 2025, the project will be expanded in the Favoritenstraße pedestrian zone. For the first time, additional sensors on the trunk will be used to measure the so-called sap flow. This allows determining how much water a tree actually evaporates.

Scientific Basis for Future Care Concept

The data is not only used for watering control but also scientifically evaluated. Together with the University of Vienna and other partners, a long-term care concept is to be developed – adapted to tree species, location, and weather conditions.

The Vienna City Gardens manage around 500,000 trees throughout the city area. Especially young trees need to be watered regularly in the first four years. Currently, this is often done manually or through systems with a fixed schedule – without regard to weather and actual need.

Further Technical Innovation in Testing

Additionally, since the end of 2024, an innovative planting system is being tested in Mauerbach: the Air-Pot® system. According to initial findings, air-permeable pot walls allow for more stable root growth. In combination with sensors, this method could also enable summer plantings in the future.

In the next phase, starting in autumn 2025, an additional 60 street trees in Essling are to be equipped with the Air-Pot® system. The goal is practical, resource-conserving maintenance – adapted to the challenges of the urban climate.

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