Registrations for Rolduc Life Tree Forest open Aug. 21
By the end of 2025, the life tree forest in the municipality of Kerkrade will grow once again. The new life tree forest will be established in a special location, namely at Rolduc Abbey.
On August 21, 2025, Kerkrade residents will have the opportunity to adopt one or two trees for €35 per tree. This can be done through the Life Tree Forest information page, while supplies last.
Need help applying online? Then ask someone close to you to help you.
Life tree forest Kerkrade
The first Life Tree Forest was planted at the end of 2017 at the initiative of the City Council. Meanwhile, a total of 648 trees have already been planted in Levensbomenbos West, Levensbomenbos Holzkuil, Levensbomenlaan Holzkuil and Levensbomenbos Carisborg. By the end of 2025, 260 more trees will be planted in the Rolduc Life Tree Forest.
Life tree forest Rolduc
The centuries-old Rolduc Abbey grew into the largest abbey complex in the Benelux and is among the 100 most important monuments in the Netherlands. Rolduc is located on the Plateau of Kerkrade and overlooks the Worm valley.
In the spring of 2025, the remains of a Roman villa were discovered here, including pottery and foundations. This find confirms that the area played an important role in agriculture and trade as early as Roman times. The archaeological excavations were carefully conducted to protect the heritage.
With the Rolduc Life Tree Forest, this place will take on a new meaning: a green, living reminder of personal stories, in the middle of a landscape with a rich and ancient history. Like the other Life Tree Forests, it will not be a park with the accompanying facilities, but will have the character of a Limburg fruit meadow. Apple trees, cherry trees and plum trees will be planted.
Alderman Alexander Geers (public space): "It is extraordinary to see how many residents are involved in the Forest of Life Trees in Kerkrade. The opportunity to adopt and plant a tree in a place like Rolduc Abbey, where nature and history come together, makes this initiative extra valuable. We offer people not only a lasting memento, but also a meaningful place to connect personal stories to the landscape."
Adopt and plant a tree
On Thursday, August 21 from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and on Friday, August 22 from 9:00 a.m. to noon, Kerkrade residents can adopt a tree. This can be done while supplies last by completing the digital application form at www.kerkrade.nl/levensbomenbos. There is a maximum of two trees per application.
Adopters will have the opportunity to plant their tree or trees themselves during a joint planting day. A personal message may be attached to each tree in the form of text on a tree tag. This day, combined with the official opening of the Rolduc Life Tree Forest, is scheduled for Saturday, November 22, 2025. Subject to weather conditions.
