Residents of Waasmunster with a garden, regardless of size, can request a free tree starting from October 15th. The municipality advises applicants to ensure sufficient space for the tree's growth and root development.
Trees play a vital role in climate regulation and livability. They help combat heat stress, retain water in the soil, provide shade on hot days, absorb CO2, and produce oxygen. Furthermore, they enhance biodiversity, contributing to a more pleasant living environment.
There are four tree species to choose from: apple tree (Jonagold), plum tree, sweet chestnut, or sweetgum. For smaller gardens, the apple, plum, and sweetgum trees are suitable, while the sweet chestnut is better suited for larger gardens.
To receive a tree, individuals must be residents of Waasmunster and plant the tree at a residential address within the municipality. One tree is allocated per household. Planting must be done correctly according to the field code, with additional information provided upon collection. The municipality is not liable for any plant loss, and no subsidy for KLE can be claimed for planting.
Applications can be submitted online or at the spatial planning counter from October 15th to December 15th, 2026, while supplies last. The collection date is scheduled for February 6th, 2027. Upon collection, participants will receive a leaflet with planting tips and information about their chosen tree species.
The apple tree (Jonagold) is a medium-sized, fast-growing tree reaching 6-8 meters, with light pink blossoms in May and apples ripe from late September to late October. The plum tree is a deciduous stone fruit tree with white blossoms and a rounded crown, thriving in well-drained, sunny soil. The sweetgum tree forms a dense crown and displays beautiful autumn foliage colors. The sweet chestnut is a large tree with a distinctive crown that can grow up to 25 meters wide, blooming with fragrant flowers in June-July and bearing ripe fruits in October.
