From April 1, parents in Arnhem will receive a birth tree as a gift from the Municipality of Arnhem when their child is born. They can plant this tree in their own garden or that of relatives, or choose to have it planted by the municipality during future planting days. This initiative honors new life in Arnhem while promoting greening in the city.
Alderman for green in the city and climate adaptation Cathelijne Bouwkamp: “The birth of a child is a special moment. Every child deserves a tangible memory. A tree is a beautiful way to reflect on this important moment in the lives of parents. The birth tree grows with a family and brings not only memories but also many other positive effects. The small trees of today are the big trees of the future. And we urgently need those big trees to prepare our city for the changing climate.”
Greener gardens
The Municipality of Arnhem is working on a healthy and livable city ready for the climate of the future. Radical greening is an important part of this. In public spaces, tiles are being removed to make room for greenery and shade. But a large part of the citys outdoor space belongs to private owners: the residents of Arnhem themselves. With the birth trees, the municipality hopes that gardens in the city will also become greener. Especially in the long term, the positive effects of trees are significant: cooling, more biodiversity, and water retention. Cathelijne Bouwkamp: “To truly green Arnhem radically, we also need the residents. They can contribute to a greener city by replacing tiles with trees and plants in their gardens. We help them with the birth trees.”
Voucher for a tree
When parents register their child in Arnhem, they receive a standard letter containing the childs personal details. From April 1, this letter also includes a voucher for a birth tree. The municipality works together with Natuurcentrum Arnhem and Arnhem Klimaatbestendig for this. With the voucher, parents can collect the trees at fixed times during the year. Because not every resident of Arnhem has a garden, it is also possible to have the tree planted during planting days. Via https://www.arnhemklimaatbestendig.nl/, parents can stay informed about planting days and locations. The first trees will be distributed on November 21 and 22, 2026.