The new tram line to Mistrzejowice is more than just an improvement in public transport – it’s a real benefit for both residents and the environment. Green tracks with sedum mats and green roofs on tram stops will reduce noise, improve air quality, and introduce more greenery into the urban landscape. With the planting of over 1,400 new trees, the streets will become more attractive and pedestrian- and cyclist-friendly.
Thanks to the compensatory planting project, over 1,400 new trees will be planted along Lublańska, Meissnera, Krzesławicka, and Młyńska streets! Moreover, thanks to dialogue with residents, changes were made to the original plan, increasing the number of new plantings by an additional 350 trees. The planting ratio now stands at 1 to 1.5 – for every two trees removed, three new ones are planted.
Updates to the planting plans are regularly discussed during construction meetings, in which residents actively participate by sharing their ideas and needs. Thanks to their involvement, the Tram to Mistrzejowice is not just a modern tram line but also a project that enriches Kraków’s greenery.
List of Species
| English Name | Latin Name |
| Common hornbeam ‘Columnaris’ | Carpinus betulus ‘Columnaris’ |
| Norway maple ‘Columnaris’ | Acer platanoides ‘Columnaris’ |
| Small-leafed lime tree ‘Greenspire’ | Tilia cordata ‘Greenspire’ |
| Silver birch | Betula pendula |
| Norway maple | Acer platanoides |
| Black pine | Pinus nigra |
| Black locust | Robinia pseudoacacia |
| Turf hairworm | Deschampsia cespitosa |
| Miscanthus chinensis ‘Gracillimus’ | Miscanthus sinensis ‘Gracillimus’ |
| Field maple ‘Elsrijk’ | Acer campestre ‘Elsrijk’ |
| Common periwinkle | Vinca minor |
| Common rowan | Sorbus aucuparia |
| Sedum mats | — |
| Virginia creeper | Parthenocissus quinquefolia |
| Virginia creeper ‘Veitchii’ | Parthenocissus tricuspidata ‘Veitchii’ |
| Broadleaf lime ‘Fastigiata’ | Tilia platyphyllos ‘Fastigiata’ |
| Groundcover rose | Rosa sp. |
| White dogwood | Cornus alba |
| Forsythia intermedium | Forsythia x intermedia |
| Ornamental apple tree ‘Evereste’ | Malus PERPETU ‘Evereste’ |
| Common loosestrife | Lythrum salicaria |
| Hempseed | Eupatorium cannabinum |
| Garden daylily | Hemerocallis xhybrida |
| Black geranium | Geranium phaeum |
| Siberian iris | Iris sibirica |
| Green horsetail | Equisetum hyemale |
Green Tracks
As much as 74% of the area used for the construction of the tram line to Mistrzejowice will be biologically active land. One of the key elements of this project is the introduction of green tracks, where sedum mats—an eco-friendly alternative to traditional grass—will be used. These mats are easy to install, drought-resistant, and require minimal maintenance. Unlike grass, they don’t need watering or mowing, which reduces water consumption and CO₂ emissions associated with upkeep.
Green tracks are both an aesthetic and functional solution. The plants covering the sedum mats help filter the air, retain rainwater, reduce dust dispersion, and absorb noise generated by trams. During the growing season, they create multicolored floral carpets that change hues with the seasons.
Green Roofs at Tram Stops
The new tram line to Mistrzejowice will also include green roofs on all 19 newly designed stops. Tram shelters will be adapted to support the weight of sedum mats—the same technology used on the tracks. The vegetation on the roofs will be drought-resistant, minimising the need for irrigation.
Green roofs on tram stops serve both an insulating and aesthetic function, while also retaining rainwater and reducing the urban heat island effect. Thanks to them, the stops will become more environmentally friendly, offering passengers shelter in a more pleasant, green setting.
Benefits for the Climate and Residents
The use of green tracks and green roofs on tram stops is a response to the challenges of climate change. They mitigate the effects of extreme rainfall, lower ambient temperatures, increase biodiversity, and contribute to an improved quality of life for Kraków’s residents. These are modern and sustainable solutions that set the direction for the development of urban infrastructure.