Merchtem (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Merchtem plans to cut over 50 oak trees on the Kouter after complaints about damage. Opposition party CD&Plus gathered 850 signatures, and Natuurpunt’s Alain De Cre filed an appeal.
As VRT News reported, the decision to remove more than 50 oak trees on the Kouter in Merchtem, in the province of Flemish Brabant, Belgium, has stirred anger among many residents. The municipality announced the plan after a local survey showed growing complaints about the large oaks.
According to residents, the roots have damaged bike paths and underground utility lines, causing repeated repairs and safety problems. Fallen leaves and acorns create constant maintenance issues, while in summer a sticky substance from the trees drips onto cars and leaves marks that are difficult to clean. People also say the tall treetops block sunlight from reaching their solar panels.
What will happen to Merchtem’s oak trees after the appeal?
The opposition party CD&Plus says the problems with the oak trees on the Kouter can be fixed without cutting them down. The party believes that better maintenance, pruning, and small repairs to bike paths could solve most of the complaints.
Environmental groups have now joined the effort to stop the plan. Natuurpunt Merchtem, together with the regional branch of Natuurpunt Noord-West Brabant, has filed an appeal against the permit for the first 15 trees.
“We fully support this step,”
said chairman Alain De Cre.
“The Agency for Nature and Forests (ANB) has also given a negative recommendation, which strengthens our appeal.”
The organization says it wants to protect valuable trees and local biodiversity.
Earlier this year, CD&Plus started a petition to stop the large-scale felling, and it has already gathered 850 signatures. The party says many residents want the oaks to stay and that the trees are part of the area’s green identity. They argue that removing them would not only change the look of the Kouter but also take away an important natural element from the town.
The debate over the oak trees on the Kouter in Merchtem has been going on since early 2024. The municipality announced plans to remove part of the old tree row after several residents reported damage to bike paths and underground cables caused by the roots. In March 2024, a local survey showed that opinions were divided. Some residents wanted the trees removed, while others wanted to protect them.
