More than 800 people voted for five special trees to receive “veteran tree” status. The ten nominated trees in The Hague are between 70 and 220 years old and are located throughout the city. They were nominated for the title of “veteran tree.” A veteran tree is a tree that is allowed to age naturally. The tree is in decline, but instead of cutting it down, the municipality leaves it standing and places fences around it for safety.
Online voting
Residents could choose their five favorites through online voting. A total of 800 votes were cast, divided among ten candidates. The five trees designated as veteran trees are: Belvedere Oak, 180 years old (518 votes), Nessie the Tree of Life, 205 years old (407 votes), The Flower Parasol, 70 years old (420 votes), The Zuiderpark Poplar, 110 years old (474 votes), and The Twelve Brothers, 220 years old (473 votes).
Veteran trees
Alderman Robert Barker (Public Space, Animal Welfare, Environment): “It’s wonderful to see how involved our residents are with the trees and that so many people voted for the veteran trees. I’d love to turn every tree in The Hague that needs it into a veteran tree, but unfortunately that’s not possible because they sometimes create unsafe situations and we can’t put up fences everywhere. I’m happy that these trees can now stay permanently.”
Lots of biodiversity
Veteran trees are particularly valuable to nature. They are a source of life. Insects, birds, and small mammals such as hedgehogs, mice, and squirrels find food and shelter in the hollows and cracks. The five trees not selected will retain or be granted monumental status and will receive appropriate care. The main difference from a monumental tree is that a monumental tree is sometimes removed if it dies or becomes a threat to the environment. With a veteran tree, this development is also permitted. The municipality will then fence it off.
Text & Image: Gemeente Den Haag
Translation to English: The Hague Online