Brussels-City to plant 2,000 trees over next five years

Brussels-City mayor Philippe Close and environment city councillor Zoubida Jellab (Ecolo) have presented their Tree Plan 2020-30, which includes planting 2,000 trees across the municipality over the next five years. Jellab got busy yesterday planting the first tree herself, in Place Rouppe in the Stalingrad neighbourhood between the Sablon and Anneessens.

“Trees are crucial for the well-being of Brussels residents,” Jellab told VRT. “They help moderate the temperature and humidity, improve air quality and offer shade. Nature is also necessary to protect and preserve biodiversity. A tree is a living entity because it also offers a home to birds and insects.”

While the city promises to plant 2,000 trees by the end of 2024, it also encourages residents to plant their own. Residents can even apply for subsidies to increase green space on their own properties and can get young trees to plant for free.

If any trees in Brussels-City have to be cut down in the meantime, they will be replaced by two – in addition to the 2,000 extra trees on the way. The 10-year Tree Plan also includes the appointment of a tree expert, the creation of a tree database and a series of lectures and campaign initiatives.

Photo: Siska Gremmelprez/BELGA