40 new trees for the Groenendaal

There used to be 3 rows of chestnut trees on the wide green strip between Burgemeester van Walsumweg and the Groenendaal. But in recent years, one after another was removed. Cause: chestnut bleeding disease.

This is a contagious plant disease that affects horse chestnuts. Sometimes the tree dies. But not always. One chestnut tree proves to be more resistant than another, says Mark Swiderski from the Municipality of Rotterdam.

The municipality only removes a sick tree if it really cannot be helped. Actually only if an inspection shows that a tree can fall. Or if large branches can fall. In other words: if dangerous situations arise.

Replacement program  

Sometimes a tree is not sick but is deteriorating for another reason. In such cases, the municipality may decide to remove a tree. But where possible, one or more trees are replanted. Preferably in the same spot. This is the principle of the urban approach developed for this: the tree replacement program.

The new planting is often much younger – and therefore smaller – than what was there before. Swiderski: We often hear people ask: Why do you plant such a small tree now, with so much space around it? But when planting, we already take into account how big such a tree can become in 30 to 40 years.

And yes, the municipality often indeed plants young trees. Because, says Swiderski, they have the best growth chances. Provided they have enough space to grow. Of course, we understand that this can feel very different from the tree that may have stood there before.   

Different species

Another important point from the tree replacement program is variety. We learned this from, among others, chestnut bleeding disease and ash dieback. We plant more different types of trees. So we are no longer dependent on one species, says Swiderski.

At the Groenendaal, for example, maples, lindens, walnut trees, and cherry trees are planted. If a disease appears again that affects one species, the consequences are less severe. This is also better for biodiversity. Different tree species attract different types of insects and birds.

The municipality has not only planted new trees at the Groenendaal. Walking paths have also been rerouted. And part of the grass has been sown with a herb mixture to attract bees and other insects. Additionally, bulbs have been planted.

Tree replacement map

Would you like to know more about how the municipality manages its tree stock? Visit rotterdam.nl/bomen. Link opens an external page. Here you will also find the tree replacement map. It shows where trees have been removed and whether new trees will be planted.

Rotterdam Neighborhood News

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