Around 240 trees are currently officially protected as particularly valuable, either because of their age or their historical significance. As there may be many more that are not yet known, the Environment Ministry is asking members of the public to report any exceptional tree they believe deserves a place on the list.
A huge and striking chestnut tree stands in the municipal park beside the Fondation Pescatore in Luxembourg City. Like many trees, it is struggling in the current high temperatures. The 105-year-old tree was planted in 1921 to mark the birth of Prince Jean, the future Grand Duke Jean.
It is unquestionably a remarkable tree and therefore worthy of protection. The campaign does not concern with avenues of trees, but with individual specimens, including trees that may be growing in private gardens.
Martine Neuberg, head of the Nature and Forest Agency's forestry department, explained that assessors consider factors including a tree's age, circumference, and the size of its crown, as well as any commemorative significance it may have.
One possible candidate is an old twin oak standing alone at the top of a field between Bourglinster and Junglinster. It has already suffered some damage from machinery and may once have served as a marker separating two fields, or perhaps even as a boundary between the two localities.
Trees such as this can be reported using the ministry's online form. Their historical background, and whether they merit additional protection, is then assessed carefully.
Once a tree receives initial approval, a public consultation procedure begins. This lasts three months, during which objections can be submitted.
The procedure means that the process can take some time. Once a tree has been granted official status, however, it receives considerably stronger protection than that provided under the general nature conservation law.
Removing it is therefore only permitted for health and safety reasons or in the public interest.
As maintaining old trees can be particularly complex, the state provides financial assistance. It covers 50% of the cost of work carried out by a gardener or specialist during the year in which the tree is placed on the waiting list.
Once it has officially been classified as a remarkable tree, 75% of maintenance costs can be reimbursed. However, the support must be requested and approved in advance.
Free advice is also available, and an expert can visit the site to inspect the tree.
Around 80 trees have been submitted since April, a response welcomed by the Nature and Forest Agency.
The campaign will be relaunched ahead of autumn with the message that trees are living witnesses to the country's history and culture, as well as important allies in the fight against climate change.
