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Obstacles to tree harvesting

Obstacles to tree harvesting

Preventing capital destruction by better protecting tree growth areas

Although tree planting and proper maintenance has received more attention as a result of its positive contribution to the environment, operators within tree management run into various obstacles. Consider, for example, restrictions due to the breeding season, the installation of piping that disturbs a tree's growing site or poor site preparation that causes new plantings to die. We asked DGA Kees Weijtmans of leading tree harvester Weijtmans about his experiences and the solutions he envisions. 

'Due to inadequate knowledge, the roots of trees are sometimes dug off, and that is actually your sheer destruction of capital.'

With over 100 years of experience, in addition to felling and pruning, the tree specialist deals with the complete management and maintenance of trees and forests. They do this for private individuals, government agencies and large companies such as TenneT, which has about 22,000 trees near high-voltage power lines.

Breeding season

Due to climate change, there is a lot of precipitation in a short period of time these days. As a result, companies like Weijtmans are increasingly struggling with sites that are too boggy to use heavy machinery. This significantly limits the time they can complete their jobs. Or it causes natural and soil damage, for example through rutting. This problem is exacerbated by regulations regarding the nesting season. "Dates were once set to determine the nesting season, but nature has no agenda. Off-season nests are also found. And even though there are no legal restrictions to work during the breeding season, provided of course that it is demonstrably done carefully, many clients do not want work done during this period. People are reluctant because of negative perceptions that might arise. I advocate more client confidence. When you work with experienced and knowledgeable tree managers, you can absolutely build on their diligence."

With climate change, we want larger mature trees that need more space.

Capital destruction root system

To combat things like heat stress, the desire to plant more mature trees has grown. Whereas previously a lifespan of 25 years was sufficient, now people want trees that live to be 80 to 100 years old. Designing the underground growing site in such a way that trees can reach this age requires a substantial investment. "Due to poor communication, the roots of these 'expensive' trees are sometimes excavated for the construction of pipes, cables or other plantings. Roots destroyed, trees destroyed. That really is a mortal sin and actually pure destruction of capital," Weijtmans believes. He advocates a change in communication and better coordination. "For example, with a klic notification, make sure everyone knows that there are vulnerable roots at a certain location. Or choose the location of a tree more carefully or, if necessary, deliberately place a cheaper tree with a shorter lifespan."  

"For example, with a klic notification, make sure that everyone also knows immediately that there are vulnerable roots at a particular location.

Making better use of expert knowledge

The above is an example of the tension between the green and gray contractor. "Lopping trees is our business, as is removing stumps and roots. But in the infill that follows, we quite often see things happen that completely interfere with the success of a new planting. For example, the lack of proper growth site preparation. Or unnecessary soil is excavated and replaced, missing the connection with the surrounding soil and thus stagnating root development. You then see young trees begin to struggle after a while and eventually wither away." These are situations that can often be prevented, provided the professional expertise of the green space contractor is utilized properly. "This is something clients should pay more attention to. Trees are social capital that we should treat with care. In the end, it doesn't cost a nickel more to do it right the first time."  

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Adres Handelweg 18
5071 NT Udenhout
Netherlands
Telefoonnummer 013 - 511 14 83 E-mailadres [email protected] Website www.boomrooierijweijtmans.nl

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