Maximizing crown volume: the key to a healthier urban environment |
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| Mariëlle Vos, Marketing & Communication bij Ebben,
Tuesday 1 April 2025 |
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| 165 sec |
More tree crown volume for a healthier living environment
Trees have a major impact on our living environment. They are not only beautiful to look at but also offer numerous benefits to their surroundings. The larger a tree, the more 'services' it can provide—provided it's growing in the right location. One large tree can sometimes contribute more than twenty small ones combined.
The new National Tree Standard from the Dutch Tree Standard Institute provides a clear and measurable target for a greener and healthier living environment. Planting mature, large trees makes it easier to meet this standard. This article explains the value of large trees and what to consider when choosing a tree taller than 8 meters.
More tree crown volume for a healthier city
A large tree provides more environmental services than a small one—that's well established. But how much crown volume is minimally required? The new National Tree Standard from the Dutch Tree Standard Institute sets the guideline at 2.2 m³ of tree crown volume (TCV) per m² of land area. This standard provides a clear and measurable goal for creating greener, healthier living environments. Although introduced only recently in 2024, several forward-thinking municipalities and organizations are already integrating the standard into their policies and projects—especially in redevelopment projects and planning of new residential areas, or as part of climate adaptation strategies. Provinces are also working with local municipalities to use the national standard in landscape and infrastructure planning, with a focus on the contribution of trees to biodiversity and climate targets.
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The new National Tree Standard from the Dutch Tree Standard Institute provides a clear and measurable goal for a greener and healthier living environment
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Guidelines within the tree standard
The national tree standard aligns well with Cecil Konijnendijk's 3-30-300 rule. This rule states that every resident should see at least 3 trees from their home, there should be at least 30% tree canopy cover in each neighborhood, and every resident should live no more than 300 meters from a green space. A high tree crown volume directly supports achieving that 30% canopy coverage, enhancing urban liveability and health. The 10-20-30 rule by Santamour also applies here, focusing on biodiversity in urban tree populations to limit pests and diseases. Trees with large crowns are often ecologically valuable, but species diversity must be maintained. Santamour's rule helps prevent monocultures, while Konijnendijk's rule promotes large tree planting for a balanced and healthy urban environment.
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The national tree standard aligns well with Cecil Konijnendijk's 3-30-300 rule
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The value of a large tree
At Boomkwekerij Ebben, a large tree is defined as one with a trunk circumference between 60 and 140 cm—typically 8 meters tall or more. The volume of a tree is directly related to the services it provides to its environment. Trees with a larger trunk diameter store more woody biomass and thus more carbon dioxide than smaller trees. Likewise, their ability to intercept rainfall and air pollutants increases with larger crowns and total leaf surface. In cities, crown volume matters for many reasons—biodiversity, climate adaptation, and overall ecological, economic, and social health.
Large trees in CSRD reports
Companies also benefit from planting large trees. Businesses that contribute to increasing crown volume can include this in their CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive) reports. The CSRD requires companies to report on their sustainability initiatives, including impacts on biodiversity and climate. By expanding crown volume, companies can support climate goals, enhance biodiversity, and reduce their carbon footprint. This can involve planting trees on their premises or in urban areas around offices and factories. Companies can also partner with municipalities and public institutions to support local greening or tree-planting initiatives—whether through sponsorship of urban reforestation, greening of streets and parks, or contributing to sustainability and CO₂ reduction plans.
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By increasing crown volume, companies can support climate goals, boost biodiversity, and reduce their carbon footprint
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How to choose a suitable large tree
First, consider the above- and below-ground growing space, including available root space and obstacles such as buildings or utility lines. Also take into account soil type and climate conditions of the location, and the tree's sun and shade requirements. Consider future maintenance and the tree's eventual size, including its impact on nearby infrastructure and biodiversity. It is essential to match the tree species to the location. A poor match can negate all potential benefits, as the tree will struggle to adapt. Sometimes, non-native species may be the better choice. Diversifying the urban tree population helps build resilience against climate change, pests, and diseases.
Online tree encyclopedia for better selection
Applying the new tree standard helps ensure the quality and quantity of urban trees, while supporting biodiversity, climate adaptation, and tree health. Large trees—eight meters and taller—have more foliage and larger crowns, giving them an advantage when it comes to increasing urban crown volume. The Tree Ebb by Boomkwekerij Ebben is a handy online encyclopedia and tool for selecting the ideal large tree for each site.
This article was originally published on 1 April 2025 on the website of Boomzorg.
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