Ninove – Six silver maple trees in Ninove have undergone extensive pruning following complaints from local residents, including William De Neve. While Alderman Pascal Schietecat defended the action as necessary, Groen’s Jordy De Dobbeleer criticized the decision.
According to reports from VRT News, the trees were trimmed using a technique known as “candlestick pruning,” which has sparked considerable dissatisfaction among locals. Positioned near residential apartments, the trees were pruned significantly, leading to concerns about their health and aesthetics.
While experts suggest that the trees will grow new branches in due course, the immediate aftermath has left them devoid of shade and unsightly. This incident has triggered a broader discussion about how municipalities should balance tree maintenance with the needs of residents in the vicinity.
Reasons Behind the Pruning of Silver Maple Trees in Ninove
The decision to prune the trees came after complaints from apartment residents who felt the trees deprived them of sunlight. De Neve highlighted the severity of the situation, suggesting that the lack of natural light forced residents to use artificial lighting during daytime.
Following the pruning, some residents expressed satisfaction with the increased daylight in their homes, while others lamented the barren appearance of the trees and questioned whether the extent of the cutting was excessive. This has initiated a contentious debate regarding the proper treatment of urban trees and the rights of local inhabitants.
Jordy De Dobbeleer from Groen Ninove expressed disappointment with the city’s approach, arguing that previous pruning methods had been more appropriate. He claims that the current technique has harmed the trees, suggesting that the city is unfairly targeting them for simply providing shade.
“It’s a complete mess and shows the city is not supporting green ideas,”
De Dobbeleer asserted.
He further criticized recent decisions made by the council, including cuts to funding directed at Natuurpunt, an organization focused on nature conservation, as well as reducing green areas to accommodate parking facilities.
Alderman Schietecat of the Forza Ninove party maintained that the pruning was a justified action, noting that the silver maples, planted in 2003, were unsuitable for the area’s environment. He explained that initial estimates of the trees’ height were incorrect, as they can grow to 30 meters instead of the anticipated 12 meters.
Schietecat emphasized that the trees had become problematic for nearby residents, necessitating intervention. He acknowledged that while the current state of the trees may not be visually appealing, it was essential for remedying a past oversight. Additionally, he hinted at the possibility of removing the trees in the future and replacing them with smaller, more suitable species, though a final decision has yet to be reached.
, reports 24brussels.
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