One hundred new trees at Gärdet
Ladugårdsgärdet, known as Gärdet, is one of Stockholm's most visited areas of natural beauty, with a rich cultural history as a military training ground dating back to the 17th century. Visitors come here for everything from demonstrations and kite festivals to sports competitions and music festivals. Now, Gärdet's recreational and ecological qualities are being enhanced.
During summer and autumn 2025, a hundred new trees of various different species will be planted in a number of locations along the edges of Gärdet. Most of these trees will be oaks, lime trees and other deciduous trees sourced from the City of Stockholm's former tree nursery in Riddersvik. The trees will be moved here complete with their root balls, and will be planted in places where they can replace dead ash and elm trees, thereby complementing the existing trees.
They will boost biodiversity, reinforce important ecological connections and contribute towards a greener landscape.
Värtavägen entrance
This is an entrance to Gärdet that many people currently pass through. The social, ecological and landscape potential is being developed through the creation of a park. A footpath will be redirected to a unified entrance area surrounded by low dry stone walls made from local granite. This entrance will have an elevated position, providing views across Gärdet towards Borgen. The area will be furnished with benches, and will offer opportunities for sculptural ornamentation. The transition between the open and closed sections will be reinforced and designed with tree planting.
Oaks and other broadleaf trees will be planted by transplanting mature trees from the former nursery in Riddersvik. In the northwest section, these will help to strengthen the ecological dispersal of oak-dwelling insects between southern and northern Djurgården. The distance to the green areas between Rindögatan and Tegeluddsvägen will be shortened, thereby improving these species' ability to move through the built-up area and further north. A mixture of different tree species will also be planted at this location. The species will be chosen based on their ability to cope with a warmer climate in the future.
Cirkusplatsen entrance
The broadleaf vegetation of Lindarängsvägen will be extended to Gärdet by establishing oak trees. Oaks will be brought here from the former nursery in Riddersvik, and will be planted in solitary locations along the edge of Gärdet. The planting will be landscaped with areas of meadow in between, where existing deciduous trees will be preserved. This will contribute towards a stronger ecological dispersal between the forest areas at Kampementsbacken and Kaknäs.
The borders between forests and open areas are important for bird life, insects and bats, which live in hollow trees and forage in the evening and at night. Several insect hotels will be set up at these borders, and fauna depots will be created. The sunlit slopes can be enhanced by creating sandy areas. Around these, shrubs and flowering perennials can be planted to provide wind protection and food for pollinating insects. Benches will be positioned in sunny areas with views towards Gärdet.
Diplomatstaden entrance
A natural park is being developed where Gärdet meets Djurgårdsbrunnsvägen. Trees will be moved here from the former nursery in Riddersvik, replacing the dead elms and ash trees and creating a valuable biotope in this area. Reinstating the greenery provided by trees and shrubs will restore habitats for birds and insects. Trees such as hawthorns and maples that have grown here spontaneously will be preserved, with additional flowering and fruit-bearing trees and shrubs being planted. Elm stumps will be left in place, as they provide important habitats for insects and lichens. The rocky ground will be preserved, and the surrounding less fertile areas will be developed into species-rich meadows. Benches will be positioned in sheltered locations with beautiful views towards Borgen and Kaknäs.
Top image: A turf-cutting ceremony for planting trees and renovating three entrances to the National City Park took place on 13 May 2025. Photo: Fredrik Sandin Carlson
On 22 October 2025, tree planting began at Gärdet.Photo: Joakim Ström
On 7 October 2025 work began on removing the trees, which had been grown at the City of Stockholm's former tree nursery in Riddersvik. Photo: Jonas Borg
Tree relocation specialist Jesper Kamperin supervises the removal of trees at Riddersvik on 7 October. The trees are being moved using specialist machinery from Germany. Photo: Jonas Borg
On 13 May 2025, the first turf was cut by Governor of the Royal Palaces Staffan Larsson, the County Administrative Board’s Environment Director Johanna Lindgren and Deputy Commissioner of Finance Anders Österberg. Photo: Henrik Garlöv/The Royal Court of Sweden
From the late 17th century onwards, Gärdet served as a military training ground. This painting by Anders Lundqvist (1803–1853) depicts a drill exercise being inspected by King Karl XIV Johan.
Events
Join our knowledgeable guides for a tour through the state rooms at the Royal Palace of...
You can explore Drottningholm Palace by yourself, but a guided tour will ensure that yo...
Gripsholm Castle will be open on the first Sunday in Advent. Go on a tour of the castle...