Freedom Tree Oostkamp

Since 1919 there has been a monumental silver lime tree on the Gemeenteplein. It was an eye-catcher and the center of activities in the center of Oostkamp. During the freedom celebrations on October 9, 1919, this tree was planted as a freedom tree to commemorate the victims of World War I. Unfortunately, this tree had to be felled in 2012. The tree had been struggling to grow for years due to lack of underground space and disease.

A silver lime (Tilia Tomentosa) is a tree with a typical symbolic value as a memorial tree. Out of respect for the tree's symbolic value, the board wanted to plant an identical species of tree. A new silver lime tree was planted in November. This immediately ensures that the new tree has more opportunities to grow old.

A raised square has been constructed around the new freedom tree. In this way, the ground around the tree cannot be used as a parking space. This would again cause problems for the tree. The subsoil was equipped with tree granulate and a crate system so that the root system of the new tree can grow optimally.

Benches were placed around the tree. In this way, the tree can once again grow into a resting and meeting place for the inhabitants in the center.

Willem Vandenameele