Merchtem (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – In Merchtem, plans to fell 50 oak trees on the Kouter have sparked protests, although 95% of locals support the removal. CD&V Plus objects, while Mayor Eddy Mast vows replacements.
As VRT News reported, in Merchtem, in the province of Flemish Brabant, Belgium, about 50 oak trees along the Kouter are set to be felled. The plan has triggered protests from environmental groups and residents who want to keep the trees. A survey among people living in the area, however, shows that almost 95% are in favour of removing them.
Residents say the oaks bring constant problems. Acorns and leaves cover the streets in the fall, creating a mess and a hazard. Roots have also damaged the bike paths and underground utility lines, which can be expensive to repair and pose safety hazards.
“We’ve received several complaints before,”
Says Mast.
“We didn’t address them at the time, but the problems keep piling up.”
What will happen to 50 oak trees on Merchtem’s Kouter?
Many households report more issues during the warmer months. They mentioned that a sticky substance falls from the branches and stains cars parked underneath. The large crowns of the trees also block sunlight, which reduces the output of solar panels on nearby homes.
“The negative advice from the Agency for Nature and Forests is not binding advice.”
Maarten Mast, mayor (Mayor’s List)
The plan to remove the oak trees has also led to political tension in Merchtem. Opposition party CD&V Plus has spoken out strongly against the decision. Party leader Toon Luypaert said the choice was incomprehensible and argued that the issues raised by residents could be managed without cutting the trees.
“These are all problems that can easily be solved,”
Luypaert stated.
The Agency for Nature and Forests had earlier given a negative recommendation for the felling of 10 oak trees on farmland in the municipality. The agency pointed to the ecological importance of the trees, but its advice is not binding.
“Every tree will be replaced by a new one, and just like in the previous legislative term, we will try to plant as many trees as possible within the municipality,”
He said.
Similar cases have been seen in other Belgian cities. Authorities in Antwerp felled 62 trees in Deurne-Zuid to make way for a tram project – although they promised to plant 148 trees afterwards. Meanwhile, in Brussels, residents protested the removal of 50 trees on the Rue Berkendael after the affected trees damaged the local infrastructure, only to hear they would receive replacement trees once the works were completed.
