Mowing mistakes, felled trees and a fatal tree accident: is the quality of green space management under pressure?

ARTICLE

POLICY & LEGAL

Heleen Kommers, Friday 19 June 2026

123 sec

From incorrectly mown wildflower meadows to questions about tree safety: incidents put maintenance practices under the spotlight

A wildflower meadow mown for the fifth year in a row despite instructions to leave it untouched. Thirteen hundred young trees destroyed by mowing equipment. A nesting duck killed during mowing operations. And recently, a fatal accident involving a falling tree in Boxtel. Individually, these appear to be isolated incidents, but together they raise a broader question: is the quality of public green space management and maintenance under pressure?

Image for illustration purposes, generated with AI

Municipalities and contractors are facing an increasingly complex challenge. Whereas green space management once focused primarily on keeping areas tidy and safe, it now also involves biodiversity, climate adaptation, public participation and cost control. At the same time, many organisations are struggling with labour shortages, workload pressures and a growing lack of skilled professionals.

Somewhere in the process, information was lost or an incorrect decision was made

Mowing requires more than keeping grass short

Recent examples from the province of North Brabant show how quickly mistakes become visible. In Altena, a wildflower meadow was once again mown despite instructions to leave it untouched. In the municipality of Land van Cuijk, approximately 1,300 young trees planted during National Tree Planting Day disappeared under mowing equipment in 2023. In Oss, mowing work along a pond resulted in the death of a nesting duck.
The opposite situation can also occur. In Schijndel, several accidents occurred in a short period at a roundabout because tall grass obstructed visibility for cyclists. The examples differ in nature, but they share one common factor: somewhere in the process, information was lost or an incorrect decision was made.

Many organisations are dealing with staff shortages, workload pressures and a growing shortage of skilled professionals

More complex management, greater risks

Public space management has become considerably more complex in recent years. Verges are managed ecologically, mowing schedules differ from one location to another, and residents are increasingly involved in design and maintenance decisions. This requires good planning, clear communication and sufficient expertise during implementation.
This is precisely where risks emerge. An incorrectly entered work order, a missing marker or a misunderstanding between client and contractor can result in damage that is not easily repaired. In the case of young plantings, species-rich vegetation or ecological projects, a single mistake may remain visible for years.

Public space management has become considerably more complex in recent years

Questions about tree safety

The discussion is not limited to mowing practices. The recent fatal accident involving a falling poplar tree in Boxtel has also raised questions about tree safety. The cause is still under investigation, but several experts have indicated that the tree may have shown signs of deterioration for an extended period.
This raises another question: what is the current state of tree inspections in public spaces? Municipalities often manage tens of thousands of trees, while experienced tree inspectors are in short supply. At the same time, expectations regarding duty of care and public safety continue to increase.

From incidents to a broader trend?

Whether these incidents represent a national trend is difficult to prove. Mistakes receive far more attention today through social media and local news platforms, making them appear more visible than in the past.
At the same time, the examples illustrate the increasing pressure on management organisations. More ambitious green policies, higher expectations and a tight labour market all require careful execution. The question is therefore not only how incidents can be prevented, but also whether municipalities and contractors have sufficient time, expertise and capacity to deliver management at the desired standard.

Whether these incidents represent a national trend is difficult to prove

This article was previously published on June 12, 2026, on the website of Stad + Groen.

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