Unterägeri,22.07.2016

Signatures collected to save 200-year-old lime tree

A majestic lime tree which is estimated to be some 200 years old is due to be felled as a result of a new development in the municipality. Not surprisingly, there is opposition to this move from locals and members of the Alternative Green party.
 
The tree is located at the entrance of the municipality near the old spinning works. It makes one think when one realises it was already standing there at the time the spinning works were established in around 1840, and still there when the industry declined and shut down. It makes one reflect on what it has been through in all this time, with ice-cold winters and dry summers. What is striking is its magnificent crown, with its foliage providing welcome shade to those who wait at the nearby bus stop in hot summers.

As mentioned, the tree is threatened as a result of the go-ahead given last June to the Mülirain development, which includes an extension to the listed buildings of the spinning works. One tree is to remain there, but not this old lime tree, much to the disapproval of a number of locals, including Mariann Hess of the Alternative Green party, who is collecting signatures to save it.
 
As is so often the case, locals do not like it when old trees have to be felled, associated as they are with feelings of well-being and providing protection.
 
Tree surgeon Matthias Hegglin of Oberägeri is often called out when it comes to cutting back trees. He said it was not possible to estimate exactly how many trees between the ages of 100 and 150 years remained in the canton and added how long-living species such as oaks, horse chestnuts and lime trees were often planted at special places, such as old crossroads or by churches. They become part of the local landscape and people get used to them. “It is no wonder there are so often objections when one is about to be felled,” he said.
 
In more natural habitats, i.e. outside built-up areas, trees can live for thousands of years. Even though this old lime tree in Unterägeri is healthy now, it has been damaged by adjacent construction work in the past. “Climate change and the extremes in types of weather associated with it has led to an increase in fungal problems, which can be extremely damaging for trees, even though their effect cannot be noticed by just looking at them. In fact, the older they get, the less they are able to tolerate such problems, and this applies particularly to the roots, which should not be disturbed within a 15-metre circumference. Any interruption of the flow of water to them could mean death,” explained Hegglin.
 
Nicole Nussberger of the planning department of the city of Zug recognises how much trees are appreciated by locals but explained how they have to be felled if they become a danger to the public. “Trees are kept under observation throughout the year and inspected thoroughly every five years,” she explained.