More unique or "extraordinary" trees are to receive special protected status as a result of climate change in Luxembourg.

Protection status for these so-called "remarkable trees" means they will be classified as "living national heritage" and will receive specific care.

While the Nature and Forest Agency holds responsibility for these protected trees, of which there are currently 64, politicians and citizens also have a role to play. The agency's Martine Neuberg explains that the goal is to have 250 protected trees in the near future.

"Remarkable trees": living national heritage icons 

There are currently 64 trees in Luxembourg with the "remarkable" status, earning the moniker due to factors such as their unique morphology, special genetic variation, or historical significance. The trees are considered part of the country's national heritage. Now, the Nature & Forest Agency plans to give the protected status to around 190 more trees, which are already subsidised. These measures are said to be extremely important in terms of climate change.

An example of a tree which does not yet have protected status is a 26-metre tall oak tree which has stood in a Contern park for several hundred years. This oak is just one of nearly 200 trees which are currently undergoing the procedure to receive "remarkable" status. The trees on this list are not discriminated against for their looks or health.

"These trees have lived," says Neuberg. "Through their lifetimes they have given other living things a place." The relationship between trees and humans is ambiguous - so long as a tree looks attractive and doesn't result in mess, they are allowed to remain, in usual circumstances.

There are a high number of trees which are included in the agency's latest inventory, compiled by foresters. Over 500 are already registered and citizens who care for these trees may be eligible for financial support.

Naturally misunderstandings are wont to happen, as was the case in a Mersch park in March, where a number of trees were felled in error on a construction site. The agency's message to municipalities is simple: keep hold of the tree trunk and refrain from shaving away the roots. It is rare for large trees to survive removal operations.

Replacing old trees with new ones? 

Studies show that young trees planted to replace old trees generally do not last as long. Therefore replacing an older tree with a sapling does not make sense as a new tree is unlikely to attain sufficient value in terms of climate and air.

Report in Luxembourgish: