Trees. Reckless protection of the ‘urban forest’ in Brussels

Correspondent in Brussels

“If we cut the branches, we will face a fine of 10,000 euros.” Arlette, a French woman living in Brussels, will not soon forget the nightmarish move she experienced at the end of October. While his building was being renovated, it would be necessary to cut two large branches from the tree in order to raise the platform of the furniture elevator to the seventh floor without touching the scaffolding. However, this is excluded for movers. In fact, you can’t touch a tree in the Brussels region without getting a town planning permit.

For over twenty years, Brussels has been working hard to protect its trees. The rules, which apply to everyone – individuals, local authorities, companies – have tightened over time as the Brussels authorities have become aware of the danger of urban densification and the need to protect trees from it, regardless of where they are…