Vote for the Dutch tree of 2024

Is this tree the center of the village, shining brightly behind the bridal couple in every wedding photo? Have wishes been hung in it for a hundred years, or was a witch buried beneath its roots in the past? The Tree of the Year election is not about the oldest, the thickest, or the most beautiful tree, but about the story behind the tree. Big and small stories that deserve to be shared and told again and again, sometimes for generations. That is how trees connect people. Vote for the Dutch tree of 2024 before October 17, 2024, 12:00 PM.

What do trees mean for nature, climate, and people?

For biodiversity

A tree is, of course, a living thing, but did you know that a tree also supports many other forms of life? For many animals, the tree is a safe home, complete with a nursery! Naturally, birds seek shelter in trees and build nests there for their young. And squirrels live in hollows in the trunk, just like bats, which also find a hiding place under the bark. Mice and hedgehogs also find shelter near a tree. But did you know that butterflies use trees too? Spiders and insects, of course, use them as a stepping stone to other places where they can meet, a kind of hop-on hop-off bus through the city, and a supermarket for animals—for example, insects, squirrels, birds, bats, and butterflies. And hopping on and hopping off to find each other; that is also known as the ecosystem.

 

For climate and the living environment

Did you know that a mature tree can store 10-40 kg of CO2? A tree is a living air conditioner. In addition to providing shade, a tree evaporates approximately 370 liters of H2O per day, cooling the surroundings by 2 to 3 degrees. A tree is sound-dampening and an oxygen factory. A tree produces approximately 50 kg of O2 per year; a human consumes 180 kg per year. Trees also purify the air of particulate matter.

 

For water and soil

Through its canopy, the tree prevents water from immediately reaching the ground during heavy rain showers. Trees consume between 400 and 1000 liters of H2O per day. The roots make the soil more permeable, allowing water to sink into the ground. Trees prevent erosion because their roots hold the soil together. Furthermore, they nourish soil life by releasing sugars and their fallen leaves. Therefore, trees prevent drought and waterlogging.

 

For well-being and happiness

We move more in a green environment. We get a better night's sleep. Our concentration and learning performance improve. Our homes increase in value in a green environment. Our mental well-being improves, for example by practicing forest bathing. We can eat from it; think of food forests and fruit trees.

 

My favorite tree comes from Leiden

Just scroll to number 13, Leiden: Living fossil in modern times. Indeed, the Ginkgo biloba from the Hortus Botanicus Leiden. Every nominated tree is described in detail. It is about the stories of the trees, and the tree that appeals to you the most will be the winner of 2024. Even the tree from Bonaire stands a chance.   Source used: deboomvanhetjaar.nl  

<strong> More info: </strong>

Vote for the Dutch tree of 2024 before October 17, 2024, 12:00 PM: https://www.deboomvanhetjaar.nl/stem-op-uw-boom