2023-11-15 15:42:00
After Dilbeek and Raeren, it was in Lier, on the border with Duffel, that Pierre Demesmaeker (Inter-Arbo), “the” specialist in large fir trees for four generations, found the specimen. In the garden of Maria, 87 years old, currently hospitalized. “I saw him passing through here. Over time, we have an eye.”
©waiter ennio
The arborist made his offer several years ago. “At first, they didn’t want too much. The tree gave them shade and it had sentimental value.” The conifer was in fact planted in the 1970s by Maria’s late husband, named Jos. Diminutive of Joseph. “Maria and Joseph, that’s good for Christmas,” smiles the specialist.
This year, however, the Lier resident changed her mind. The thorns actually flew away and invaded the neighbors’ vegetable garden. “To keep some shade, we’re going to plant a plane tree instead.”
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Pass the tree… over the house
Around 8 a.m., the teams of specialists were on site, and had a difficult time. Because cutting down this colossal tree was no easy task. To lift this twenty meters of wood, several vehicles were needed: a large trailer… and a large crane. Because the configuration of the premises greatly complicated things. The tree was in fact in the back garden of the house. The only solution: pass the tree over the house.
©Ennio Waiter ©Ennio Waiter ©Ennio Waiter
Once strapped and securely attached at its top, the trunk began to be sawed. It only took a few seconds. Barely cut, the tree levitated. Carried vertically, centimeter by centimeter above the little house. The busy Mechelsesteenweg had to be stopped while the tree was placed on the trailer. Direction the grooming, and then the Grand-Place in Brussels.
©Ennio Waiter ©Ennio Waiter
“One of the most beautiful in Europe”
For the arborist there is no doubt. This tree is “one of the most beautiful in Europe”, he smiles. “It will be a great ambassador for our city,” proudly reacts Rik Verwaest (NVA), mayor of Lier who came on site for the occasion. “We have very good land here. Everything is growing well. We are on the border between the lands of Brabant and the Kempen. A great mix.”
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At Brussels Major Event, we cannot hide our enthusiasm for the green colossus. “Gorgeous.” In total, the bill for the City is around €5,000, excluding installation costs.
This Thursday, the specimen will arrive early in the capital. Around 6 a.m., the tree will enter the Grand-Place. For the decorations, on the theme of Quebec this year, you will have to wait until the weekend.
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As for Pierre Demesmaeker, after Brussels, he still has work to do. The “Monsieur sapin” also takes care of the trees of Antwerp, Charleroi, Hasselt… “Around forty places in Belgium and a dozen in the Netherlands.” During this period, he doesn’t hide it: “I hardly sleep.”
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