On Thursday, November 30, 2023, I, the "Zeller Schwarze Katz", witnessed a spectacular procession on the banks of the Moselle in Zell.
In an impressive operation, a magnificent tree was transplanted from the Moselle area to Otto-Finé-Platz. This is a unique step in the history of Zell. The lime tree was moved at the suggestion of town mayor Hans Peter Döpgen, as the new toilet facilities for the wine town of Zell (Mosel) are to be built at the previous location. As the silver lime tree, which is around 10 meters high and has a trunk circumference of 120 cm, has no signs of disease, it will of course continue to be preserved as part of the green lung of Zell (Mosel). That of course made me proud. Now this great silver lime tree stands on the new Otto-Finé-Platz and offers visitors and of course me a shady spot.
Of course I took the opportunity to have a chat with an employee of the Opitz company from Heideck. He told me that every large tree transplant is preceded by a detailed analysis and assessment of the trees to be transplanted. During an appointment on site, the most important factors are assessed by specialists: Type and size of the tree, location of the tree, vitality, transplantability and transplant worthiness. They then use this data to plan the optimum transplanting procedure and the use of the necessary planting machines. This is the only way to ensure that the tree can grow and thrive successfully in its new home. In addition to the careful preparation of the new site, the lime tree requires the assurance of adequate watering and care, as well as continuous monitoring of the health of the transplanted tree throughout the process. I was totally amazed at the care taken here. Of course, I did some research and found out that Opitz is the only company in Europe that transplants trees up to a trunk circumference of 140 cm. They have specialized in large tree transplanting since 1971 and have successfully transplanted over 1.8 million trees throughout Europe.
"Especially in times of climate change, it is important that we treat trees in a way that conserves resources. That's why I'm proud that my home town is replanting a tree that is in the way of the construction of the new toilet facility instead of sawing it down. This not only preserves valuable old trees, but also gives us around 20 years of development compared to standard tree planting. Normally, the much smaller young trees first have to get used to their new surroundings. This time is eliminated with a large tree transplant. There is also the visual effect: the fact that the town of Zell had the lime tree of this size planted means that the new location is quickly covered in lush vegetation."
I have another important piece of information for you: The cost of the replanting was only about 1/3 of a tree half the size from a tree nursery.
Your "Zeller Schwarze Katz"
