From now until 17 July, residents of The Hague can register for one of the 1,750 trees that the municipality is giving to residents, schools, sports clubs, companies and other organisations. The giveaway campaign is being organised for the fifth consecutive year. “It is great to see how much green profit this has already yielded. Tree by tree we are making The Hague greener”, states responsible alderman Robert Barker of Outdoor Space, Animal Welfare and Environment.
Every year, interest in the free trees from the municipality of The Hague and Duurzaam Den Haag grows. Also in the urbanized neighborhoods, such as the Stationsbuurt and Laak. It is precisely in these places that it is important to add more greenery. Because trees improve the environment for people and animals. A tree makes gardens more beautiful, provides shade and cooling on hot summer days and absorbs extra water during heavy rainfall. Birds and insects also benefit from it.
Helping hand
The Trees for The Hague campaign is part of the Hague Action Programme to green urbanised neighbourhoods and to make the city more resilient to the effects of climate change. “I am very happy to see that the number of requested trees in urbanised neighbourhoods is growing,” says Joris Wijsmuller of Duurzaam Den Haag. “We hope to continue this growth this year. We are happy to help tenants who are unsure whether they are allowed to plant a tree by their landlord, such as a housing cooperative.”
The first leaves and blossoms can now be seen on the trees that residents received for free in 2024 through the campaign. The trees were delivered to their homes free of charge, together with a tree stake, soil and clear instructions. Residents are very satisfied with the campaign. So is Árpád Kecskes from Laak. He received an Elstar apple tree last year as part of this campaign. “I thought it was a really nice initiative. You get so much pleasure from a tree like that. I can even see little apples, so who knows, maybe I can make an apple pie soon. I’m really looking forward to that!”
Home delivery
Residents, entrepreneurs, schools, sports clubs and other organisations from The Hague can apply for a free tree from 26 May to 17 July 2025 via www.bomenvoordenhaag.nl . Duurzaam Den Haag processes the applications, assesses these and sends the applicants a message. In the autumn (November/December) the tree with planting instructions will be delivered by the green company of the municipality. After that, those whose application has been approved will plant their tree themselves.
Featured photo, Municipality of The Hague: Resident Árpád Kecskes is happy with his previously received apple tree.