Baby Trees
To celebrate the birth of your child, we’re giving you a tree as a gift. You can plant this tree in your yard, place it on your balcony, or put it inside your home. You are not allowed to plant the tree in a public space. A tree is a fun way to celebrate the birth of your child. By planting this “birth tree” in your garden, you’ll be helping nature in Voorschoten and keeping your living environment cool during hot summer days.
Twice a year, the municipality distributes baby trees—in March and September. The reason for this is that these are ideal times for planting a tree. After the birth of your child, you will receive a letter from us containing your unique tree pickup number. You will need this number to register for a baby tree.The first distribution took place in March 2025.
Sign In
To register for the baby boom and share information about it, please send an email to babyboom@voorschoten.nl with the following information:
- The tree pickup number listed on your letter
- The tree of your choice
- Your email address.
Choosing a Babyboom
Below are the six trees you can choose from.
Silver birch - Betula pendula
The silver birch can grow to a height of 15 to 30 meters and grows quickly compared to other trees. The tree crown is oval/elongated and semi-open. In April, yellow-green catkins (soft, elongated “flowers”) appear. In the fall, the leaves turn yellow. The trunk is white and peels, revealing blackish-green patches. The tree serves as a food source for butterflies.
Elevations, soil compaction, and fluctuating water levels have a negative impact on the health of the rough birch. The rough birch prefers dry soil.
The tree you will receive is 80–125 cm tall.
Turkish Hazel - Corylus colurna
The tree hazel, also known as the Turkish hazel, grows to a height of about 20 meters. This tree has an average growth rate. The crown is broadly oval to conical and semi-open. A mature tree can therefore provide ample shade. In February/March, yellow-brown catkins grow on male Turkish hazel trees. On female Turkish hazel trees, the small red flowers are inconspicuous. The Turkish hazel also produces edible nuts in the fall. The tree’s trunk has gray, cork-like bark. The tree serves as a food source for bees.
Corylus colurna is a hardy tree that is resistant to disease, grows well in loose soil, and requires little moisture.
The tree you will receive is 80–125 cm tall.
English Oak - Quercus robur
The English oak grows to a height of 25 to 30 meters and has an average growth rate. The tree crown is round and semi-open. In May, greenish-yellow catkins 2–4 cm long appear on male English oaks. In the fall, acorns form on the tree. The bark is dark gray. In the fall, the leaves turn yellow, orange, or reddish. This tree serves as a food source for butterflies and birds.
Quercus robur can grow in wet soil and is resistant to brief flooding.
The tree you will receive is 80–125 cm tall.
Common alder - Alnus glutinosa
The common alder, also known as the black alder, can grow to a height of 10 to 20 meters and grows quickly compared to other trees. The tree’s crown is conical to oval and semi-open. In March/April, brownish-yellow catkins appear on the male black alder; the female catkins are oval and inconspicuous. Starting in September, egg-shaped alder cones appear on the tree, which can be used for decorative purposes. The tree’s bark is gray and furrowed. In winter, the tree’s leaves turn yellow and brown.
The common alder grows well in wet soil and is resistant to flooding.
The tree you will receive is 80–125 cm tall.
Common Hawthorn - Crataegus monogyna
The single-styled hawthorn grows to a height of 6–8 meters. This tree/shrub has an average growth rate. The crown is round/spherical and semi-open. The branches grow irregularly; the tree has thorns, and the bark is brown/gray. In the fall, the tree turns yellow; in May, it blooms with white, fragrant flowers; and in August/September, it produces red berries. The single-styled hawthorn serves as a food source for butterflies, bees, and birds such as thrushes, blackbirds, and titmice.
This hawthorn thrives in nutrient-poor, loamy, or sandy soil. This tree/shrub can withstand dry spells well. However, young plants do need water during prolonged dry spells so they can establish strong roots.
The tree you will receive is 80–125 cm tall.
Common bay laurel - Laurus nobilis
The laurel can grow to a height of 6–12 meters. This tree has an average growth rate. The crown is conical and dense. The trunk has brown bark. This tree remains evergreen in winter, and greenish-yellow flowers appear in March/April. The plant can be used in the kitchen as a herb for stews and soups. In the fall, black-blue berries will grow on the laurel; these are not edible. If you prune the tree sufficiently, you can keep it small, making it suitable for your balcony or as a houseplant.
The laurel tree prefers well-drained, dry sandy soil, preferably rich in humus.
The tree you will receive is 30–40 cm tall.
More information
About a week before the day you can pick up your tree, we'll send you a reminder email. If you're unable to pick up the tree on the pickup day itself, you can have someone else do it for you.
Planting Trees
What should I keep in mind before planting a tree?
When planting the birth tree, it’s important to plant it at least 2 meters from the property line. It’s also a good idea to consider the mature canopy size and think about whether this tree will fit in your garden in the long term. You should also make sure to choose the right type of soil and that the tree is suitable for the location you have in mind. For example, if you have a tree that doesn’t like wet soil, don’t plant it in a garden that’s often waterlogged.
What should I keep in mind when planting a tree?
For all trees, it is best to plant them in March/April or October/November. When planting, make sure the hole you dig is at least one and a half times as wide as the root ball. The depth of the planting hole should be about the same as the height of the root ball, but slightly shallower.
Loosen the soil at the bottom of the planting hole, and the sides as well if necessary. This will allow the roots of your young tree to grow better. You can fill the planting hole around the roots with garden soil. Make sure the entire trunk remains above ground after planting.
What should I keep in mind after planting the sapling?
After planting, your baby tree will need extra water for at least the first two years. To ensure that the water penetrates the roots properly, you can use a watering ring made of soil or plastic. The diameter of the watering ring should be the same as that of the area where the roots are located. In dry weather, check the moisture level of the soil next to the roots weekly. If the soil isn’t moist enough to meet the tree’s water needs, it’s best to water the tree thoroughly all at once, rather than giving it small amounts frequently. The roots of newly planted trees should ideally remain moist throughout the growing season, but not overly wet. Too much water can kill a tree due to oxygen deprivation or root rot.
A newly planted tree can be blown off balance by the wind. To prevent this, the tree can be secured between two stakes. Once the tree is large enough, you can drill 2 or 3 holes in the ground right next to the roots. Next, the stakes must be driven firmly into the ground. From each stake, a tree strap can then be wrapped around the trunk. The tree straps should not be loose, nor should they be under tension. The tree straps must be nailed to the stake. After 3 years, the trees will be sufficiently established to continue growing without support.