Maintenance 17 September Square: frequently asked questions and answers
On October 31, 2022, we will begin major maintenance on September 17 Square. The tree roots of the current trees are pushing up the asphalt and stones, posing a fall hazard. Repairing it also costs a lot of money every year. The work consists of repairing the pavement, asphalt and replacing the trees. The square will be accessible during the work. We expect the new trees to be planted starting Nov. 21, 2022.
What nuisances do users experience?
The tree roots of the current trees are pushing up the asphalt and stones, posing a fall hazard. Therefore, the municipality replaces these trees with other types of trees. We will also remove the roots and repair the raised tires and bricks of the pavement. So that everyone can safely use the square again. This work is part of regular maintenance as included in the Policy Document Public Green Space 2021.
What is the overall schedule of the work?
The schedule is not set in stone and may change due to several circumstances during implementation, but is as follows:
Week 44: felling trees
Week 44 to 48: remove roots and repair paving
From week 47: planting of new trees and tree compartments
What can visitors to the square expect in terms of nuisance?
The contractor will only cordon off the parts of the parking lot where work is currently underway. The municipality is trying to minimize the inconvenience with the cooperating partners. Only on Monday morning, October 31, the entire parking lot will be closed to remove the trees. Starting at noon, part of the parking lot will then be accessible again. The new trees are expected to be planted starting November 21. Then they will lay out the planting beds under the trees. Local residents and shopkeepers have been informed about the work in good time.
Now the square looks very bare. What will the square look like later?
We embrace the green capital of our municipality. This involves maintenance, and sometimes we have to make seemingly rigorous choices. You can trust that we will ensure that a beautiful, future-proof square is created in return, safe for all users. With seven types of trees, which are given room to grow, cause little or no root pressure, attract insects and birds and are resistant to the changing climate.
Why were the trees removed?
The roots push up the asphalt and stones. This can lead to dangerous situations. And it costs a lot of money every year to repair the pavement. Unfortunately, if the trees remain, they will also continue to cause problems.
Which trees will return?
We put back the following tree species:
- Celtis australis - European nettle tree, whip tree
- Cornus officinalis 'Robin's Pride' - a tree form of the yellow dogwood
- Gleditsia triac. 'Green Glory' - false Christ maple
- Pyrus calleryana 'Chanticleer' - ornamental pear
- Styphnolobium japonicum 'Regent' - honey tree
- Acer freemanii 'Celzam' - maple tree
- Tilia mongolica 'Buda' - Mongolian Linden
In the planting beds under the trees there will be low plantings. This consists of ferns and ivy. We cover the planting beds with fine wood chips.
The new trees are somewhat smaller than the current trees and provide little or no root pressure.
In the planting beds under the trees there will be low plants. This will consist of ferns and shrub ivy. The planting beds will be covered with fine wood chips.
Has consideration been given to the future-proofing of current choices?
They are resistant to the changing climate and also good for birds, bees and other insects. This improves biodiversity. Planting multiple species also prolongs flowering, allowing animals to use these trees longer.
Have discussions been held with the residents overlooking this green space?
All residents were informed of the work well in advance by letter. The green policy plan states that there will be no public participation in maintenance works (see chapter 3.3).
Has a logging permit been obtained for the removal of the trees?
The trees on the 17 Septemberplein may, according to the felling policy of the municipality of Son en Breugel, be felled without a permit. The felling policy of the municipality of Son en Breugel is laid down in the General Local Bye-Law 2022. This review framework clearly shows in which cases a felling permit is or is not required.
Why were the trees not repositioned?
Trees can be transplanted if they are regularly staked around. When you do that, the hair roots remain in the root ball. That is not the case with these trees. Because these tree roots have been allowed to grow for a long time, those hair roots are everywhere except within the area where they need to be dug out. The chances of these trees surviving in any other place are very slim. In addition, excavating mature trees without pretreatment is enormously expensive and extensive.