The name Gerlind derives from the Linden Tree.

The Linden tree (genus Tilia, also called Lime), shares much of the common symbolism associated with any Sacred Tree in European lore: Its presence protects against ill luck and against the strike of lightning, and its bright nature repels those spirits that would cause harm to the household.

In Slavic mythology the Linden (Lipa) is a Holy tree, and many towns and villages are named for it. It also lends its name to the months of June (Croatia) and July (Poland) respectively, and is apparently the root of the name for the city of Leipzig in Germany.

German towns often had (and have) Linden growing in the town center, spreading shade beneath their graceful canopies. Some of the town-Linden alive today are reputed to have been planted many hundreds of years ago. Perhaps the most well known town planting of Linden is in the historic district of Berlin – the boulevard called Unter den Linden. Linden were first planted along this way in the 16th century, though the Linden currently growing there were planted in the 1950’s to replace the former trees, which had been cut down in the early 20th century, or destroyed during World War II.

It seems that the Linden tree has been used by poets through the ages as a metaphor for the beauties of Nature, as a tree of grace and peace. It is claimed the Linden tree belongs to Freyja, and is the Tree of Lovers. This specific symbolism isn’t ancient, rather it sprung from the font of 19th Century Romanticism. Even so – the Linden tree has been for the Central Europeans a romantic image for centuries.

Some of this tree’s familiar symbolism is that of the Romantic poet and the dreamer, rather than being attested by ancient myths. Still, the Linde is a tree of power, holy among the Slavic peoples, a green arched temple of sweet blossoms aswarm with bees. (excerpted from The Dreaming Wood)

This is from an article called Forestry in Germany

“One third of Germany covered with forests Germany ranks among the densely wooded countries in Europe. Around 11,4 million hectares corresponding to one third of the national territory are covered with forests. In regional terms, the proportion of woodland cover varies widely, ranging from 11 % in Schleswig-Holstein to over 42 % in Rhineland-Palatinate and Hesse, the most thickly wooded Länder (federal states). Forests increased by more than 1 million hectares in Germany over the past five decades. The timber stocks in Germany account for 336 m3 per hectare, with the annual timber increment totalling around 76 million m3. The timber growth is 11.2 m3 / ha per year or 121.6 million m3 per year. Hence, Germany occupies a leading place compared with other European countries. (Third national Forest Inventory 2014)”