The memorial tree forest in Lanaken offers a lasting reminder that flourishes anew each year. The memorial tree symbolizes eternal life, with its cycle of spring, summer, autumn, and winter.
Registrations for adopting a memorial tree begin on October 1 and end on November 30, 2026. Adoption is exclusively online, with a maximum of two registrations per address. Participants can indicate a preferred tree species; if unavailable, the municipality will assign an alternative.
Available tree species include the Norway Maple (for passing), Sweet Chestnut (anniversary), Winter Oak (birth of a boy), Winter Linden (birth of a girl), Summer Oak (peace/freedom tree), Summer Linden (wedding), Hornbeam (friendship), Sweet Cherry (communion/spring festival), and Walnut (diploma). All trees have a minimum size of 12/14 and are planted with bare roots or a root ball.
The cost for adoption is € 25, payable via online payment, for which a receipt will be issued. The memorial tree remains the property of the municipality, and no ownership rights can be derived from it.
A planting day is organized for Sunday, January 31, 2027, in collaboration with Natuurpunt Limburg. Trees will be placed in the planting hole beforehand and partially filled with soil to prevent root drying, with tree stakes and bands provided. If planting is not possible on the scheduled day due to extreme weather, it will be postponed to another Sunday.
The memorial tree forest is located at the old football grounds in Gellik. The municipality is responsible for the management and maintenance of the trees, hedges, paths, and fencing, aiming for a natural forest environment. A replacement period of five years applies after the initial planting date; any tree that dies or is damaged within this period will be replaced.
Certain activities are prohibited in the memorial tree forest, including burning pruning waste, using pesticides or artificial fertilizers, storing materials, and ash scattering or burial.
A wooden disc will be provided with each tree for adopters to carve a message. A central information board will display the tree number, species, and names of the adopters (maximum two). Personal messages on signs or attached items are not permitted and will be removed. The placement of flammable items is also prohibited.
