The City of Antwerp is taking further steps to sustainably strengthen its urban greenery, with an update to the existing Tree Plan (Bomenplan). This includes concrete guidelines to place an even stronger emphasis on Future Trees and on the sustainable expansion of green volume across the city.

The second Antwerp Tree Plan dates from 2021 and followed the first plan from 2010. It is based on two clear principles. The first is increasing green volume: the city focuses on large, high-quality trees rather than sheer numbers. The second is the creation of Future Trees: trees with a long lifespan, made possible through careful species selection, sufficient underground growing space, appropriate distance from buildings and healthy growing conditions.

This Future Tree concept has since grown into a leading example that has been adopted by other cities and organisations. Antwerp already has more than 1,800 Future Trees. Thanks to ample space both above and below ground, these trees can easily reach an age of 120 years.

In 2023, Antwerp was awarded the title of European City of Trees. This recognition challenges the city to continue pioneering, inspiring others and turning its green ambitions into reality.

Concrete guidelines

To translate these ambitions into practice, the Tree Plan has been further refined. City departments, together with the districts, the fire brigade, Natuurpunt and external designers, examined how the vision of the plan could be better embedded in concrete projects. This resulted in an addendum with clear and practical guidelines.

Green volume becomes a central starting point in the design and redevelopment of public space. Designers and contractors are provided with clear technical guidelines and design tools to create tree-friendly and sustainable public spaces. The focus on Future Trees as a cornerstone of urban green policy is confirmed and further strengthened.

With this refined vision and practical support, Antwerp aims to invest as much as possible in trees with a long life cycle.

Alderman for Green Policy Ken Casier (N-VA) said: “Antwerp has always been a frontrunner in green and tree policy. Our Tree Plan 2.0 set the standard and was even adopted by several other authorities and organisations. Being crowned European City of Trees in 2023 further confirms our pioneering role. But we are not standing still. With this new, ambitious addendum, we are strengthening our approach even more: we are making targeted investments in Future Trees and in higher-quality green volume, so that Antwerp remains a green and liveable city for generations to come.”

More than just greenery

Trees do more than make the city more attractive; they are essential to a healthy living environment. They provide cooling on hot days, help absorb rainwater, improve air quality and enhance biodiversity. In this way, they contribute to a city that is healthier and more pleasant to live in.

This vision aligns with the 2025–2030 governing agreement, in which Antwerp commits to a vibrant, safe and green-blue urban environment. The 3-30-300 principle serves as an important guideline: three visible trees per home, 30% canopy cover at neighbourhood level, and accessible green space within 300 metres. Preserving existing trees, creating sufficient rootable soil volumes and protecting Future Trees are crucial levers in achieving these goals.

Alderman for the Environment Karim Bachar (Vooruit) added: “We have ambitious goals for Antwerp: more trees, more green volume, more quality of life. This is not a symbolic ambition, but a concrete commitment to making our city healthier, cooler and greener today and tomorrow. By the end of this legislative term, we want every Antwerp resident to be able to see at least three trees from their home.”

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