New rules for tree protection

Marco Peters , Alderman Groen: “In this day and age, when trees are rightly seen as very valuable, it is important that they cannot simply be cut down as was possible in recent years. They must therefore be protected. We are working hard everywhere in the city on rigorous greening and investing in our neighbourhoods and districts. We are going to reintroduce the felling permit, but we are keeping the regulatory burden for our residents low.”

Durable protection 

With the introduction of a cutting permit with new policy rules, Heerlen is ensuring a more sustainable and broader protection of its greenery. First only a number of valuable trees were protected, but with the new rules now also other trees and woody stands are protected. With this we are listening to the growing desire from society to better protect the greenery in the city. It is important for health, climate and biodiversity. It also fits well with Heerlen's task of rigorously greening the city.

Tree preservation assessment

Very thick, monumental trees, we do not fell. Unless there are important reasons. With other trees and timber stands, we weigh the reason for felling against the importance of the tree and its surroundings. Preservation is always preferred. When felling, we must compensate as much as possible with replanting. If you are unable to replant yourself, you may make a financial contribution to a replanting fund. Residents of Heerlen only have to apply for a permit for thicker trees. They also have to compensate less than non-individuals such as a developer or the municipality itself. The new rules thus provide better protection of greenery without a high regulatory burden for our residents.

The new rules will go to the City Council for approval on Oct. 30, 2024.