In autumn, a garden can transform into a treasure trove of life. With a few simple choices, such as planting an extra tree, gardens can become places where fauna and flora meet and strengthen each other. Zoersel resident Dieter Coppens is a strong advocate for this approach.
Dieter Coppens compares a tree to a powerful air conditioner that provides shade, cools the environment through water evaporation, absorbs CO₂, retains water, improves the soil, and serves as a 'gigantic animal hotel'. He suggests that if Elon Musk invented such a device, he would immediately be hailed as a genius.
While forest area is increasing on average in Europe, Flanders is lagging behind. Minister Jo Brouns is calling on cities and municipalities to plant more trees, and De Bosalliantie is facilitating new plantings, including on private land. The hope is that planting trees will happen in time to counteract the effects of climate change.
Planting a tree, shrub, or hedge is best done during the winter months. www.boomjetuin.be provides instructions on how to get started. Even a small tree or native shrubs can be planted in just one square meter. Residents can register their planting at boomjetuin.be/gemeente/zoersel/ to contribute to Zoersel's tree counter. Participants have a chance to win a birdhouse.
