On Boulevard Konrad Adenauer in Kirchberg, 46 trees were recently uprooted and transplanted to accommodate the construction of a new tram section.
Ernest Brandenburger, the landscape gardener overseeing the operation, explained that the selected trees were chosen for their likelihood of surviving the transplant process. Older trees, he noted, often struggle to acclimatise compared to younger ones, making it impossible to relocate all trees, despite frequent requests from municipal officials.
For a transplanted tree to thrive, post-transplant care is crucial. Brandenburger emphasised the importance of clearing and trimming damaged roots immediately after relocation. While it is difficult to determine whether the resources invested in transplanting are economically profitable in every case, Brandenburger believes the operation on Kirchberg was cost-effective. “In this instance, transplanting is definitely profitable”, he said, explaining: “The cost [of transplanting a tree] is a few thousand euros, whereas purchasing a new tree of the same size, including transport and nursery costs, would be 100% more expensive.”
The feasibility of transplanting also depends on the trees’ location and the complexity of the underground network, which can significantly increase effort and costs. Brandenburger highlighted the importance of opting for a circular economy approach, preserving existing trees rather than always purchasing new ones.
In October 2024, another remarkable tree transplant operation took place in Esch-sur-Alzette, where an 80 to 100-year-old plane tree was uprooted and relocated by a specialised international company. The tree, with a root mass measuring 4 by 4 metres, was destined for removal the following year due to the construction of the rapid tram.
Claude Werer, the head of the transplant team, expressed cautious optimism about the tree’s survival. While he hopes the operation will succeed, he refrained from guaranteeing its outcome. “So far, everything has gone according to plan”, Werer said. It remains to be seen if the effort and investment pay off or if it would have been more practical to remove the tree immediately as part of the tram project.
