New tree planting in Belgium

[fagus]

Last week I was in Ypres and the Somme area I was particularly impressed by the amount of new tree planting going on along the highways and in the towns and villages. It was good quality planting too with irrigation tubes and mulch no doubt leading to the good success rate.

 

Many of the street trees I think were the fastigiate Hornbeam Var. Frans Fontaine. Looks a good tree keeping its columnar shape longer than the straight Fastigiata planted here.

 

I was following my grandfathers footsteps; he did survive and I understand drove a gun carriage.

[pie eater pete]

Ypres and surrounding areas are fascinating. Drove back through the Somme area this weekend-always seems very grim still..think the French/Belgians have a much better idea of usefullness of trees compared to here.French will re-pollard repeatedly where as it is felled here..