Why the Grass in Berlin and Potsdam Is Often Left Long

As a private guide in Berlin and Potsdam, I’m often asked — especially during summer walks through Sanssouci’s royal gardens —"Why does the grass look so long and wild? Isn’t this supposed to be a historic park?"

It’s a great question — and the answer lies in how cities like Berlin and Potsdam are adapting to climate change and working to protect biodiversity.

1. Climate Change: Hotter, Drier Summers

The Berlin-Brandenburg region is getting noticeably drier. Over the past decades, average rainfall has decreased, while temperatures — especially in summer — have risen sharply. Spring and early summer are often dry for weeks, with hardly any rain. To show how serious the situation is: in the Park Sanssouci alone, up to 300 trees have to be cut down every year due to drought stress — with around 80 percent of all trees already showing damage from climate change.

This creates huge challenges for parks and green spaces. Short, closely cropped lawns dry out almost immediately, leading to brown, dead patches and soil erosion. Long grass, on the other hand, acts like a natural shield:

• It shades the ground, keeping it cooler.

• It helps the soil retain moisture.

• It protects against wind and water erosion.

By letting the grass grow longer, Berlin and Potsdam’s parks are helping their landscapes survive drought and stay greener naturally, with far less watering needed.

2. Boosting Biodiversity: Meadows Instead of Lawns

There’s another major benefit: supporting wildlife.

A tightly mown lawn might look tidy, but it’s an ecological desert — offering no food or shelter for bees, butterflies, or other insects. Long grass allows wildflowers and herbs to bloom, turning empty lawns into rich meadows buzzing with life.

• More flowers mean more nectar for pollinators.

• More insects mean more birds and other small animals.

• Natural plant diversity can return to city parks.

  
  

The idea follows the "No Mow May" movement, which began in the UK and is now widely practiced in Germany. Parks and even private gardens are encouraged to let the grass grow — at least through the spring and early summer — to give nature a chance to breathe.

A Small Side Note: Sheep in the Parks!

You might also spot sheep grazing in some parks, like Sanssouci in Potsdam or the Charlottenburg Palace Gardens in Berlin. They act as "natural lawnmowers," trimming grass gently while helping to fertilize the soil. But they can only do one small area at a time. Plus, they’re a charming sight for visitors!

In Short:

Longer grass = healthier parks, more life, and better protection against climate change.

So if you see tall grass waving in the Berlin breeze, don’t think of it as neglect — it’s a smart, forward-looking choice for a greener, more sustainable future.