Ostend (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Ostend is planting 500 new trees and 20000 shrubs, including 20 along Groene 62 and 20 at the city cemetery. Mayor John Crombez emphasizes sustainable greening. Ostend, investing €65,000. Landscape architect Eli Devriendt supports biodiversity and drought-resistant planting.
Ostend is undergoing a major greening initiative, with the planting new 500 trees and 20000 shrubs in various locations. This includes restoring tree cover and enhancing smaller city parks with ornamental shrubs. Mayor John Crombez has emphasized that residents will see municipal workers actively engaged in these efforts.
He mentioned that the focus is the planting of 40 new trees, 20 along the Groene 62 near Konterdam and 20 at the city cemetery. The cemetery trees will include 4 species chosen for their autumn colours, leaf shapes, seasonal flowering, and benefits to pollinators.
You will therefore regularly see employees busy with shovels and spades in all neighbourhoods. They will further green the unpaved areas,
says Mayor John Crombez (Vooruit).
How Is Ostend greening the city with 500 trees and 20,000 shrubs?
Ostend is selecting tree species that can withstand droughts and require less water. Maintenance schedules are being adjusted to ensure trees and shrubs thrive. Officials mentioned that this approach is designed to create a greener, healthier urban landscape that mitigates climate change. The city is focusing on biodiversity, providing shade, improving air quality, and supporting wildlife.
When planting, we also try to coordinate the care of public greenery as well and as balanced as possible with the challenges of the climate,
Crombez explains.
Because in recent years, the planting in some places has not survived the drought.
Ostend is replacing dead trees with healthier ones. Eli Devriendt, a landscape architect, says the city needs to find a balance between watering and drought resistance. To help with this, Ostend is launching a pilot project with Vives University to test soil moisture sensors.
He mentioned that these sensors will monitor moisture levels and allow for more precise watering. This will prevent overwatering and drought stress, ensuring trees and vegetation thrive. According to Devriendt, Ostend is prioritizing biodiversity by planting native species that are better adapted to the local environment.
Because these also contribute best to biodiversity,
says Devriendt.
The city is planting fruit- and nut-bearing trees and shrubs in playgrounds. This includes Raoul Bonnelplein and playgrounds at De Ballon and Baanhof. Ostend is investing 65,000 euros to plant new trees and shrubs in public spaces.
The project includes a variety of species, such as elderberries, sea buckthorn, red and black currants, honeyberries, hazelnuts, apples, walnuts, and even pecan trees. The planting is expected to be completed by the end of March 2025.
These edible plants are mainly provided around playgrounds, such as the Raoul Bonnelplein and the playgrounds at De Ballon and Baanhof,
says Devriendt.
In the long term, the city wants to ensure that nuts can be collected at every playground. This fits in with the policy of combining nature and fun.
