Mass planting of trees along the roads of East Prussia began in the 18th century by royal decree. There were several reasons for doing this. First, tree roots perform a land-improvement function, draining and strengthening the soil beside and beneath the roads. Second, the trees adorn the landscape and create a special atmosphere on the journey, sheltering travellers from the sun in summer and from the wind in winter. Third,
alleys have a beneficial effect on the air, especially in summer, when the trees give ample shade and evaporate moisture, lowering the temperature, and – what is more relevant in our time – the trees clean the air of polluting exhaust fumes.
Let us also not forget that alleys are part of local ecosystems, a true home for a multitude of birds and insects.
Unfortunately, the Kaliningrad Region has now set a course towards felling its roadside alleys. Perhaps the oaks along the Pravdinsk – Zheleznodorozhny road, being unique, will hold out longer than the others, but it is better not to put off your visit...
Translated from Russian with the help of AI (Claude, Anthropic), October 2026.
