Trees are the most decisive elements in public spaces.
The Flemish tree nurserymen offer the designers and constructors of public spaces a high-quality range.
In the nurseries, trees are cultivated that are selected on the basis of their special characteristics.
After all, the need for trees that are resistant to the changing environmental factors is increasing.

A well-founded decision was taken to select the trees for which you will find fact sheets on this website on the basis of characteristics which makes them extremely suitable for use in public spaces.

The way in which trees develop largely depends on the conditions of the habitat.
So it is important to take this into account in the design and construction phase. Not only the decorative value plays a role in this, but certainly a well-considered choice of the type of tree for a certain habitat, depending on where the public space is being created.
In urban areas different demands are naturally made on trees than in rural areas.

And as always, here, too the most important criterion is: the right tree in the right place.

SUBURBAN AREAS

On the edge of Flemish cities there is often a combination of residential estates, industrial estates and large through roads.
In principle any plant can be planted here, although small trees often do not show up as well.
The most important thing is to take into account the specific local elements of the habitat: polluting environment, presence of paving,…
For example Sorbus intermedia ‘Brouwers’, one of the strongest mountain ash trees, is very resistant to paving and can easily be used in industrial estates.

INNER CITIES AND TOWNS

In the centres of cities and municipalities, there is - even more so than elsewhere in Flanders – often a limited amount of space.
This is the most decisive element in determining the choice of plant.
In an almost fully built-up area of residential streets and shopping centres, tall and wide trees are less suitable than smaller types. 
However this environment still offers special possibilities.
Certain trees can be nicely integrated into the city architecture.
for example Carpinus betulus ‘Frans Fontaine’ is hardly a small tree (up to 15 metres high), but due to its particularly slender shape, this hornbeam is still extremely suitable for planting in urban areas, especially in narrow streets.

RURAL AREAS, IN PARKS AND SOLITARY

In a rural environment, with few buildings, there are in principle barely any restrictions on the choice of plant. Preferably the choice of tree will fit into the landscape, but growing space will not be limited.
The type of soil present will also play a role and possibly the weather conditions at a specific habitat.
For planting in a park or solitarily, modesty is a poor adviser. Here, trees catch the eye and they are often noticeable due to their special decorativeness or their specific character.

Although in these habitats in principle any type of tree can be planted, striking trees are preferable. As always, specific requirements can determine the choice: the necessity for fast growth, presence of paving,…

INDIGENOUS TREES

Interest in indigenous plants is increasing. ‘Plants from the region belong in the region, is something you often hear. And there is something to be said for this, but with one important aside. Indigenous trees can naturally best only be planted where the conditions meet the demands made by the tree. As Flanders has been very sharply urbanised since the 1960s, this is limited to rural areas and parks.

TREATMENT OF THE PLANTING HOLE AND THE SPACE AROUND EACH TREE

The treatment of the planting hole improves the growing conditions of trees that are planted in paving. the planting hole should be dug out sufficient large. The minimum diameter is 1.50 metres, 2 metres is ideal.
A good mix of tree soil for a planting hole made in paving consists of sand that is mixed with about 10% organic matter.
Once it has been planted, the open space around each tree allows the water, oxygen and food to get to the roots more easily, especially for trees planted in paving.
To prevent weeds, it is a good idea to plant dense plants under the tree. A number of shrubs and perennials are extremely suitable for this. Low-maintenance planting is an important cornerstone of a balanced public space project.

PRUNING

A high-quality cultivated tree has a good ratio between the diameter of the roots, the thickness of the trunk and the height of the tree. Since part of the roots remain in the ground when the tree is lifted in the tree nursery, all trees have to be pruned  when they are planted. The top should be thinned out. Branches that are too close to each other should be removed at the trunk.
Later, for example along roads, it can be necessary to prune the tree. In this way there is always enough trunk height that is free of branches. It is best to do this pruning for the first time in the late summer of the second year after planting.