Because of the large rectangular shape of 't Zand, this square is the place for meetings from a distant past. It has the function of a meeting place and in the major renovation of the square in 2017-2018 it had to be fully expressed again. The landscaparchitects from WEST 8 and Sweco made a alternative traffic plan and new, large trees were given a place in the project.

According to old maps, trees have been on ‘t Zand for centuries, but the new traffic flow and the underground parking garage required a different placement of the trees. Besides, the trees that stood on the square in recent years were in bad condition; they had only 10 m2 of rootable soil at their disposal and could not continue to grow. There was not enough underground space to keep these trees healthy in the future.

Lessons were learned and the renovation plans included, among other things, large concrete profiles on the roof of the parking garage and each tree got 30m3 of underground growing space at its disposal. Plant holes with a diameter of 2 meters have been cut in the concrete profiles and the system is equipped with aeration pipes. Inside the big concrete ‘ containers’ is a built-in irrigation system to provide them with sufficient water. A huge improvement that allows the new trees to grow for 50 years without any problems.

The project has been realized in two phases. In total, 108 clear stem and multi-stem trees were supplied by Van den Berk. These were planted by Krinkels and anchored underground. The planting work continued in the summer. This was possible because the trees were provided with a coconut root ball in the spring. In the coming years, Van den Berk and Krinkels will jointly guarantee the inspection and aftercare of the trees.

Three types of lime trees that are less sensitive to lice have been applied at 't Zand.(see below)