The municipality of Raeren reports that eleven trees must be felled in the vicinity of Raeren Castle for safety reasons. Seven lime trees at the castle entrance and four willows on the green areas of the Haus Zahlepohl parking lot are affected.
These measures are based on repeated expert assessments by the forestry department, which have identified increasing damage, stability and vitality losses, and increased shedding of deadwood. Four willows will be removed from the green areas of the Haus Zahlepohl parking lot, with some showing signs of fungal infection. The cleared locations will subsequently be replanted with deciduous trees suitable for the site and climate.
The seven lime trees at the castle access, which have shaped the historic appearance around the pottery museum for decades, had already shown signs of damage in previous inspections. A new assessment by the forestry department in November 2025 indicated further deterioration compared to the 2023 examination. Two specimens showed clearly visible heartwood rot in the trunk area, and new branch formation in the crowns has decreased, indicating an overall loss of stability and vitality.
Due to these findings and the increasing shedding of deadwood, there is an elevated safety risk for visitors, especially in the heavily frequented access area. The group of trees must therefore be removed and replaced with new lime trees suitable for the location and climate.
The plan is to promptly plant young, vital lime trees with a trunk circumference of approximately 20 to 30 centimeters. At the same time, site conditions will be significantly improved to provide more space for root development and better water and nutrient supply, aiming to establish a healthy and long-lasting tree population that integrates well with the castle's surroundings.
The municipality of Raeren asks citizens for their understanding regarding this necessary measure. The work is scheduled for Monday, October 5, 2026. During the felling operations, traffic in the affected section will be regulated by a mobile traffic light system. The pottery museum will remain closed on this day.
