Beloved peace tree dies in Belgium, town plans replacement
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The municipality of Kluisbergen, in Belgium, will remove the Peace Tree of Zulzeke after determining the over 100-year-old beech tree is dying.
Several years ago, the town observed the tree’s condition was declining and conducted tests to assess its stability, which at the time appeared sufficient. However, a recent meeting revealed the tree is now irreversibly failing and suffers from a fungal disease.
The beech tree holds special significance for the community because it was planted to commemorate the end of World War I. Mayor Thijs Cousaert described the tree as a landmark residents have known throughout their lives and expressed sadness at its loss. The town intends to give the tree a second life by potentially crafting benches from its thick trunk. Kluisbergen plans to plant a new tree in the same location, but likely not another beech.
Cousaert explained that warmer temperatures make planting a single beech tree in that spot less advisable. The town has not yet decided which tree species will replace it.
