Obstacles to tree harvesting

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.

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."

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."  

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."