The switch from individual Christmas trees to a permanent neighborhood tree may give the impression of economising, but Zalinyan disputes this: “No, it is certainly not economizing. We really see this as a sustainability measure. Putting up a tree every year and then taking it away again is not sustainable. Now the same tree can be used all year round.”
The municipality is investigating where more neighborhood party trees can be placed in Heemskerk. “We are looking at 25 to 30 places where a festive tree could be placed, but that depends on the land, the location and the willingness of the neighborhood.”
Local residents keep the tradition alive
Local resident Wim Dantuma is happy with the neighborhood party tree in Jan van Bergenstraat. He is one of the driving forces behind the application for a neighborhood party tree.
“We have had a Christmas tree every year. Due to financial matters at the municipality, that is no longer possible. Now we will have a permanent tree. I like that.”
According to Dantuma, the neighborhood will continue to organize activities with the new tree.
“We have two parties here in this street per year. A play afternoon for the children and then a barbecue with the residents. And at Christmas and New Year’s Eve we sit here with pea soup, mulled wine, chocolate milk and Christmas bread. Then we have another party.”
A young tree that can grow
The tree planted is a Pinus sylvestris, also known as Scots pine. The tree is still small and cannot stand in the shade of the Christmas tree that the neighborhood was used to, which was several meters high. But this species is strong and grows slowly. In nature it can grow up to 15 meters high, says Richard Numan, tree expert from the municipality of Heemskerk.
The neighborhood party tree in the Jan van Bergen is still small at the moment, but according to initiator Dantuma it will be fine: “Small children also grow up,” says Dantuma. “Then it will only take a little while, but that’s fine.”
The municipality of Heemskerk expects to plant festive trees in dozens of other places in neighborhoods in the near future.