Published on: December 2, 2025, 16:41
Rijkswaterstaat will plant many trees and shrubs along national roads in South Holland over the next two years, starting along the A29 in Barendrecht. In total, 20 hectares of trees and shrubs will be added, equivalent to about 28 football fields. Besides shrubs, there will be over 2,000 new trees.
This is happening because trees have been cut down in various places due to works, storm damage, or diseases. Sometimes trees were also removed for new on- and off-ramps, lighting, or information boards.
Dirk Vermaat and Bart Keunen on the replanting
Dirk Vermaat, alderman for Traffic and Transport Barendrecht: As the municipality of Barendrecht, we welcome the large-scale replanting by Rijkswaterstaat along the A29. These new trees and shrubs fit perfectly with our green vision: in a region with much traffic and industry, we consciously choose more greenery, better air quality, and richer biodiversity.
Bart Keunen, district head Rijkswaterstaat West Netherlands South: With this large replanting action, we work towards a safe, healthy, and green living environment along the national roads and thus a livable Netherlands.
Careful selection of planting locations
We have investigated where new trees can be planted in South Holland. The focus was mainly on available national land. Nothing may be planted on national land reserved for future road expansions. The landscape and how the road fits into it also play a role: in open landscapes, a wide, open verge fits well, but in other places, extra greenery is welcome to shield the road from view.
Safety along the road was also considered. The first meters of each verge must remain free so vehicles can safely swerve off the road. We also take into account cables and pipelines and maintenance paths, and the verges must be sufficiently accessible for mowing and pruning.
In some locations, existing rows of trees are supplemented. In other places, a completely new forest can be planted. Shrubs are also planted to improve the effectiveness of wildlife fences, guiding animals safely to wildlife tunnels to cross.
Planning
Until the end of March 2026, the company Van Doorn will plant 10 hectares - about 1400 trees and a large number of shrubs - mainly along the A29 and N59. So in the municipalities of Barendrecht and Hoeksche Waard/Goeree Overflakkee.
Between October 2026 and April 2027, another 10 hectares will be planted. Then shrubs and over 700 trees will be planted along the A20, A12, N11, A13, N57, and A15.
Native species for a strong and healthy verge
The choice of tree and shrub species is based on soil research. Rijkswaterstaat chooses native species that fit well with the environment and are resistant to wind, road salt, heat, heavy rain, and diseases. Currently, many of the same species of trees and shrubs are often found along the road.
By using different species, biodiversity increases and the verge is less vulnerable to diseases and pests. Species that produce relatively much nectar and pollen were also considered to attract more butterflies, bees, and insects. This leads to more flora and fauna in the verges.
Replacement of old trees
We want to structurally replace old and vulnerable trees in the future. This keeps the tree stock healthy and reduces the risk of breaking branches. Trees that are cut down are always replanted one-to-one, preferably in the same place or nearby.
Better living environment
With this approach, we work towards a better living environment along the national roads. The combination of new planting and good future planning creates strong verges that contribute to nature, biodiversity, and a pleasant landscape.
