There is hope for Tervuren’s oldest resident, the summer linden tree that towers over an ancient Roman crossroads in Duisburg.
“Like ancient olive trees, it may no longer look symmetrical, but it can endure,” said former mayor and heritage alderman Marc Charlier (N-VA). But Charlier warns the linden may never recover its beautiful crown.
The tree’s condition dominated the most recent town council meeting — the shortest at 35 minutes since local elections in October 2024. Residents had voiced concerns about a specialist firm’s “summer pruning.”
Busses from Wallonia
Despite a thinning crown, experts believe the nearly 300-year-old tree could survive for decades, even centuries, with proper care. The linden stands 25 meters tall and measures 5.5 meters around its trunk.
But age and environmental pressures have taken their toll. Fungal growth has been detected in the trunk. “Some fungi are harmless, others less so,” Charlier said. “We need to know how high they have spread within the tree, as this is an indicator of long-term health.”
Traffic poses another challenge. The tree’s roots, already strained by surrounding cobblestone roads, may also be suffering from the weight of heavy vehicles. Tractors. are to be expected alongside the fields. But Charlier has seen buses from Brussels ferrying schoolchildren to animal refuge Verts de Terre and even a tourist bus from Gembloux, Wallonia. “That kind of traffic I would like to keep out,” he said.
Pruning and Root Investigation
The pruning removed dead branches that could have fallen during storms and further reduced weight on the roots. A more detailed investigation of the soil and root environment has been delayed until wetter conditions make testing possible.
The linden stands beside the Chapel of St. Barbara, built in 1863 and restored a century later. Since 2010, both the chapel and the tree have been protected as heritage monuments. Together, they anchor a landscape where traces of Roman paving still surface after 2,000 years.
The Protected Linden Tree
- Location: Ancient Roman crossroads, Duisburg, Tervuren
- Estimated Age: Nearly 300 years
- Height: 25 meters
- Trunk Circumference: 5.5 meters
- Protection Status: Protected Heritage Monument (since 2010)
The summer linden (Tilia platyphyllos) is noted for its cultural and historical significance, standing as a living landmark next to the Chapel of St. Barbara.
