Tree growers have serious doubts about transplanting 55 old oaks from the Sterrebos near Born to an adjacent area. The growers are most likely to say that old oak trees in the new location will die, especially if there isn’t enough aftercare.
The replanting is part of a compensation scheme for the expansion of VDL Nedcar.
Nature compensation
This week it was announced that a large part of the Sterrebos will be cut down for the expansion of the car factory. A small part of the forest remains. More than 50 large oak trees will be moved from the area that will disappear to an adjacent area that has been designated for nature compensation. Tree nurseryman Dirk Ebben from Cuijk in Brabant is convinced; “An oak brings nonsense.”
This is a well-known expression among nurserymen. According to Ebben, it is already difficult with relatively young oaks, and certainly with old oaks such as those in the Sterrebos. “Our experience is that it only works if there has been good preparation. That the time has been taken to be able to move the tree properly. That is certainly not the case here.”
Expensive job
According to Ebben, moving such a large old oak tree is also an expensive affair. Clearing the ground, using a large crane, transport, then you quickly arrive at around 10,000 euros per tree.” He understands that this has been included in the compensation plan by VDL Nedcar, but has serious doubts whether it’s going to work.” Then I would opt for a younger oak that is for sale at nurseries. They are cheaper and the chance of success is much greater.”
‘We want the solution to work’
The arborist understands that his opinion is rather biased. He is in the tree business and benefits from buying young oak trees and not moving old ones. “That’s true, but in the end we still want the solution chosen to work well. Otherwise it is wasted money and wasted effort.”