Growing is not only for today and tomorrow; a good grower is already thinking about the future. Climate change, changing consumer demand, and stricter regulations determine which tree species are future-proof. Which species will thrive and which will disappear? Which tree species will dominate in the next 20 years? How can growers prepare for the changing market?

The climate is changing, and it’s happening faster than we may think. What will that mean for the assortment of trees we are currently growing and planting? De KwekersBode listened to dendrologist Jaap Smit, green curator of Trompenburg Gardens & Arboretum in Rotterdam. “Yes, our climate is really changing at a fast pace,” says Smit. “If you look at the KNMI statistics from the last 30 years, you can see how fast it has gone. And that has significant consequences. If we look at urban green spaces, we are now planting trees for a period of 60-70 years. If we take that rapid climate change and increasing ‘urban heat’ into account, we can roughly conclude that we are moving from a maritime climate towards a continental climate, with hot dry summers and wet winters. That also means that winter hardiness zones are shifting. As a result, certain native tree species have had their day, especially in urban areas. I would advise those involved in selecting species for planting in urban areas and along roads to broaden their perspective. Choose climate-resistant and choose from the nearly 1000 different species that are grown in our country. Wageningen University & Research (WUR) even estimates that 40% of native flora will be extinct by the end of this century. So, think of popular native species like beech, oak, rowan, and birch.”This not only has consequences for planting, but also for the growers. Jaap Smit: “Growers of standard and park trees, as well as forest and hedge plants, will also have to adapt their range, and it is really high time to get started with that. The origin will become crucial. So, sending young plants from here to Eastern Europe to be grown there and then bringing them back is not practical. Essentially, nothing has changed, the origin is still from here. The range must be focused on the purpose for which it is used; beauty is no longer decisive. Municipalities will plant trees for a period of ten years instead of the half-century of the past. There will be a growing need for fast-growing trees that improve liveability; that can withstand heat, promote biodiversity, tolerate smaller growing spaces due to all the cables and pipelines being placed underground for the energy transition, and trees that capture fine dust. Heat- and drought-resistant species such as plane tree, Hungarian oak (Quercus frainetto), Turkey oak (Quercus cerris), and cedar (Cedrus atlantica) offer potential. Also, species from Southern Europe and Asia deserve attention,” says Jaap Smit. A varied, climate-resistant range strengthens biodiversity and reduces risks. The right tree in the right place is essential for the urban and landscape greenery of tomorrow.

Boomkwekerij De Batterijen - Growing is a craft

Boomkwekerij De Batterijen, located in the beautiful Ochten at the edge of Betuwe, is an all-round green company with four branches: the nursery, the container field and the garden centre with web shop, the cash-and-carry, and the complete offering from design to support in planting. The tree nursery, covering a total of 20 hectares, is located on light river clay; the ideal location for growing fruit trees. De KwekersBode spoke with Alberto Stuurbrink of De Batterijen. “Growing is a craft,” says Alberto, “and we like to keep it that way.” The fruit trees are grafted, chipped, and budded in the traditional, craft way. The entire growing process from rootstock to marketable tree is carefully guided by us. The nursery specialises in growing native apple, pear, plum, and cherry trees, as well as soft fruits. In addition to modern fruit varieties, we grow many old Dutch fruit trees. Examples include Brabantse Bellefleur, Karmijn de Sonnaville, Ingrid Marie, Kleipeer, Meikers, and Eldense Blauwe. “Because we are always looking for new, better, or nostalgic trees and plants, we follow the latest trends and tree shapes closely,” says Alberto Stuurbrink. Due to climatic developments, you see a shift in the range. Alberto: “Besides the demand for the existing assortment, there is an increasing demand for Mediterranean fruit trees and shrubs such as apricot, kaki plants, and figs.” Alberto Stuurbrink also notes an increasing demand for sustainably grown plants. “We want to respond to that, but it always depends on the willingness of buyers to pay the higher price for them.” The demand for origin is not so much present with fruit trees but is certainly a factor for forest and hedge plants.

Boomkwekerij John de Lepper, strong in special varieties

Located in the beautiful Brabant Kempen, in the middle of one of the Acht Zaligheden, lies Boomkwekerij John de Lepper, with about 15 hectares of sandy soil. The broad assortment goes from shrubs and solitaires to multi-stemmed and shaped trees, Magnolia in tree form, to heavy park trees, with a focus on special species; lovingly and expertly grown by John and Esther de Lepper and their team. Architects, landscapers, and green space professionals across Europe form the target group for their trade contacts. De KwekersBode asked John de Lepper for his opinion on growing in the future. “Due to the rapidly changing climate, we will have to consider that species that are still planted everywhere now will disappear. Trees like Quercus, Tilia, and Acer will probably continue to be part of the assortment,” says John. “But it’s time to start looking at other species, species that are suitable for the climatic conditions we have and will have. According to the KNMI, all records for dry and wet weather have been broken in the last 20 years; we had a particularly wet year in 2024, and now it has been very dry for a long time. There is hardly any frost anymore. All these conditions make trees more susceptible to diseases and pests. So, we will need to produce trees that are resistant to that. A good example of that is Nyssa sylvatica, the black tupelo tree, originally from North America. Strong and proven cultivars include Nyssa sylvatica ‘Autumn Burst’ and ‘Big Lady.’ Ensuring good diversity is important.” There is another point that worries him: “The knowledge of plants is disappearing, not only among buyers but also among suppliers. Something really needs to be done about that. You can also see it in the shrinking supply of breeding, seed, and cuttings, and if you don’t have enough potting material, you can’t produce enough. There is real work to be done.”

Bogaert, family business with a longstanding tradition

Boomkwekerij Bogaert from Balegem (B) is a family business with a longstanding tradition in growing plants, trees, and shrubs, which are offered in a wide assortment. Founded in 1967 by José Bogaert, the area covered at that time was 15 hectares. In 2001, the company was split into Handelskwekerij Bogaert bv (export-import) and Boomkwekerij Bogaert Koen. In 2016, son Laurens joined the business, and that year the tree nursery De Moor was acquired. The nursery mainly grows young trees in open ground (sizes 6/8, 8/10, 10/12, 12/14 being the most common sizes in their own assortment) on a total area of approximately 70 hectares. The assortment consists mainly of deciduous trees, hedge plants, and fruit trees. To obtain a varied range, the assortment is regularly supplemented with non-standard species. In addition to the nursery, the company also has a thriving wholesale business. De KwekersBode also asked Koen Bogaert for his view on growing in the future. “Which trees will dominate in the coming decades? I think forest trees like Alnus, Betula, Carpinus, Sorbus, Quercus, Tilia, and a few more species,” says Bogaert. He believes that Fagus will face difficulties. “If you ask how to respond to the changing market, I think we in Belgium need to closely look at the nature organizations,” says Koen Bogaert. “What they ask for, people believe in, and those are mainly fruit trees and forest trees.”