Almost half of garden owners do not want to plant a tree: 'My garden is too small'

NEWS

POLICY & LEGAL

Heleen Kommers, Tuesday 10 November 2026

82 sec

Sustainable Living Knowledge Centre sees opportunities for municipalities to encourage more tree planting in private gardens

Almost half (44 per cent) of Dutch garden owners do not intend to plant a tree in the next three years. Another 25 per cent are undecided. A small garden is the most common objection. These findings come from research conducted by the Sustainable Living Knowledge Centre among more than 1,000 garden owners. According to the knowledge centre, there are plenty of suitable trees and large shrubs for smaller gardens.

Illustrative image generated with AI

Of the garden owners surveyed, 27 per cent are willing to plant a tree in the next three years. Among those who are undecided or do not want a tree, 44 per cent cite limited space as the reason. However, the knowledge centre believes this need not be a problem. Almost 90 per cent of those who are open to planting a tree prefer a species that grows to a maximum height of between 2 and 6 metres.

Opportunities for municipalities

The findings offer opportunities for municipalities seeking to encourage more greenery in private gardens. Young people and those who have recently moved house are particularly open to planting a tree. Financial support can also help, for example through schemes offering residents free or discounted trees.

Young people and those who have recently moved house are particularly open to planting a tree

More than just an attractive garden

Garden owners mainly choose to plant a tree because it makes their garden more attractive (62 per cent) or creates a natural atmosphere (42 per cent). The benefits for the climate and biodiversity play a smaller role. Sanne Janssen, sustainable gardening expert at the Sustainable Living Knowledge Centre, emphasises these wider benefits. 'You plant a tree for the future. Thirty years from now, it will still provide cooling, help reduce flooding and offer shelter and food for wildlife.'

A tree planted today will still provide cooling thirty years from now

Autumn is a good time to plant

Autumn is a suitable season for planting trees. The soil is often still warm and moist, allowing roots to develop before spring arrives. To help garden owners, the Sustainable Living Knowledge Centre has published an online step-by-step guide. It includes advice on choosing trees, assessing available space and the importance of native species.

The research was conducted in July 2026 by research agency Molgo among 1,033 Dutch garden owners.

This article was previously published on 4 November 2026 on the website of Stad + Groen.

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