The Christmas tree that will embellish Brussels’ historic market square this year has been felled. The firtree that stands 22 metres tall has been cut in Jozef and Maria’s garden in Lier (Antwerp Province).
Sadly, Jozef is no longer with us, but he would have been immensely proud of the fact the tree on the Grand Place this year hailed from his garden.
The tree is set to arrive in the Belgian and Flemish capital on Thursday. Pierre Demesmaeker, a tree grower, who helped to cut the tree down, spoke with VRT about the difficult operation required to get the tree to Brussels.
The tree is a Nordmann fir tree weighing 9 tons. It was planted in the Seventies. “It’s perfect on all sides” says Pierre. “It is one of the most beautiful trees in the continent of Europe”.
“Removing the tree from the garden is an exciting operation. Great precision is required. We’re using a telescopic crane but have encountered a problem because the crane is sinking into the wet underground”.
The tree will commence its journey to Brussels at 6AM on Thursday.
It was Pierre, who discovered this specimen in Maria and Jozef’s garden. At this time of year Pierre spends his days crisscrossing Belgium in search of trees that can be used as Christmas trees in towns and cities across the country. “Most of the trees come from the same large estate, but trees in private gardens too stand a chance. I rang Maria’s doorbell and expressed my admiration for the tree. She agreed to allow the tree to embellish the Grand Place”.
“Often people are glad to be rid of such large trees. The trees obscure solar panels, are a nuisance to neighbours or pose a danger during storms. It’s great to give them a last chance and starring role for Christmas” says Pierre.
