Tree harvesting with an eye for people and nature

Boomrooierij Weijtmans has long held a prominent position in the tree sector in the Netherlands and across the border. The company is ahead in innovation and sustainable business, with an eye for people and nature. Early on, the company developed policy to work on the energy transition. Director Kees Weijtmans explains how this year the first zero-emission projects were put into operation.

Weijtmans is the largest tree lifting company in the country and, in addition to tree lifting and tree care, offers a whole package of services in which tree and wood are central. For example, the complete relieve of municipalities in the field of forest and tree management is part of the range of tasks. This often includes an important piece of environmental management, in which Weijtmans can play a steering role. "In Tilburg, we maintain 670 hectares of municipal forest and also take care of resident communication. We involve local residents in the work and that creates much more understanding," experiences Kees.

Emission-free pruning and grubbing

The harvesting and pruning work is the core business of tree pruning company Weijtmans. Kees: "We have a very diverse range of machinery with which we can tackle projects at almost any location. Think of work along the road, along or in waterways, on swampy ground, in vulnerable nature reserves ... or at Mrs. Jansen's backyard. And in this, it is now also possible to carry out a project completely emission-free." 

As a frontrunner in energy transition, tree pruning company Weijtmans already has several zero emission contracts under its belt. "With the municipality of Rijkswijk we have a six-year contract for emission-free pruning and uprooting of trees. And recently we removed 25 enormous trees completely emission-free in the city center of Amsterdam. An electric tower crane powered by our battery storage containers was used for this."

Energy Transition

In terms of sustainable business and implementing the energy transition, Tree Grubbing Weijtmans took the initiative very early on. "We have been monitoring our CO2 emissions for more than ten years. All kinds of measures have ensured a substantial reduction. The company complex, which will be commissioned in 2019, is energy-neutral and CO2 emission-free. We have been running 100% for years on HVO100 fuel, and have made great strides in electrifying our vehicle and machinery fleet."

Kees does make critical comments about the current policy. "Obtaining a heavier grid connection is a real challenge, which is after all a requirement if there is full commitment to electrification. It is also at odds with the demands of an increasing number of government clients who prescribe emission-free work. A good energy network is of primary importance and the government will also have to take responsibility for this. You can't just leave that to private parties acting from shareholder interests: I hear a lot of great plans but see far too little happening..."

Boomrooij Weijtmans is a family business with strong values and a flat organizational structure. "We are hugely committed to both our customers and employees. This translates into lasting customer relationships and a pleasant working environment. We invest a lot in the training and well-being of our employees, are a recognized training company and stand out in the industry," Kees knows. "For good students we definitely have an internship and new employees know how to find us just fine through an open application. That says enough about our reputation."