The Province of North Holland has conducted additional tree research into the quality of the 453 trees along the provincial road N241 between Schagen and Verlaat.
This research by Groenadvies Amsterdam shows that 161 trees need to be replaced. Previously, it was mentioned that 431 trees were in question.
Planting and Maintenance
10 years ago, the trees were improperly planted during the reconstruction of the N241, resulting in poor growth. Research in 2022 showed that the soil was insufficiently prepared. The planting holes were also too small. This has caused the trees to root too shallowly, making them more vulnerable to wind, which can pose a danger to traffic. The research also indicated that the aftercare of the trees after planting has been inadequate.
Additional Research
The recommended measures to save some of the trees by replacing soil with another type of soil were found to be unfeasible on-site. Hence, the conclusion was that 431 trees needed to be replaced. Since several years had passed, the province requested another assessment of the trees from the Provincial States to ensure that replacing 431 trees was the only option.
Results of Additional Research
Groenadvies Amsterdam investigated whether the 453 trees have sufficient vitality and growth potential to achieve a lifespan of at least 60 years. It turns out that 161 trees need to be replaced: 146 trees with moderate or poor growth potential and 15 trees that have died or were not found.
The remaining trees now show acceptable growth. The roots of these trees have found a way out of the too-small planting holes, allowing the trees to recover. For these trees, the soil will be improved from above. It is expected that these trees will still achieve the expected lifespan of 60 years.
Next Steps
The province aims to replace the trees this year. The trees that remain will be closely monitored for growth and root development in the coming years.
