Old trees are important for the development of nature and biodiversity in the city. But the older a tree gets, the greater the chance that branches will break off and the felling of the tree becomes necessary for safety reasons. In order to allow trees to grow old, The Hague renamed a monumental tree to a ‘veteran tree’ for the first time in 2019. In the coming period, the municipality will be looking for five trees that also qualify for the special veteran status.
Alderman Robert Barker (Nature): ‘Old trees tell the story of the city. They are not only a source of beauty and tranquility, but also form a home for many animal species. By giving these trees veteran status, we protect them and create new opportunities for nature to develop.’
Eternal life
With the designation veteran tree, trees are given the space to spend their last phase of life in a natural way. This means that they may lose branches and even partially die, without being cut down. A veteran tree is given ‘eternal life’.
In 2019, The Hague was the first city in the Netherlands to name a tree a veteran. This striking tree, a centuries-old Dutch Linden in Park Clingendael, is now given all the space it needs to grow old and eventually die.
Living space for animals
‘A veteran tree is given the opportunity to undergo a true transformation. The tree becomes of great ecological importance, because it offers new habitat to insects, birds and other animals. The educational value of a veteran tree is also great. That is why we think it is important that the trees are visible to everyone. In this way they really add something to the city and the streetscape’, says alderman Barker.
The municipality, together with the Advisory Council for Monumental Trees (AMB), investigates which trees are eligible for veteran status. In order to achieve veteran status, a tree must meet various qualifications. For example, the tree must be able to grow old, have reached a certain age and be vital enough. The location of the tree, its educational value and safety also play an important role in the selection.