The Thick Linden Tree: Focus on Lower Saxony's centuries-old tree!

The “Thick Linden Tree” from Heede is an important natural monument in Lower Saxony and was recognized as Germany’s first national heritage tree. It is one of the oldest and largest trees in Europe and has an impressive trunk circumference of 17.5 meters. The age of the summer linden tree (Tilia platyphyllos) is estimated at 600 to 1000 years, with the probable planting date being around 1470, when the Schärpenburg was founded. Only the oldest tree in Lower Saxony, which is at least 1200 years old, surpasses the linden tree in terms of age.

The “Thick Linden Tree” is not only a natural monument, but also an important landmark of the community of Heede and serves as a meeting point for the village community. Numerous events take place under the huge tree, including shooting festivals and wedding photos. The tree has an estimated height of 24 meters and a crown width of about 30 meters. Regular maintenance measures are carried out to ensure the future of the tree. The German Dendrological Society (DDG) predicts that the linden tree will last for centuries.

Meaning and historical contexts

The “National Heritage Tree” award has been awarded by the DDG since 2019 to protect and preserve exceptional old trees in Germany. The aim of the initiative is to find and award 100 old trees in Germany. Lower Saxony has a special variety of trees, including the only witch tree avenue in the world and 600 trees from different regions of the globe.

The “big lime tree” is also known as the “giant lime tree of Heede” or “thousand-year-old lime tree”. With a trunk circumference of over 17 meters, the exact measurement of which is difficult due to indentations, and a crown measuring almost 30 x 30 meters, the tree attracts particular attention. The area on the stump of the lime tree is almost 16 square meters and was previously covered with wooden planks. Historically, the area under the mighty branches served as the center of village events such as church services, banquets of the Münster prince-bishops, and as a place for dancing.

The tree's health is good; it appears healthy and the trunk is not hollow. Genetic studies have shown that the shoots of the strongest stems are genetically similar, providing evidence of origin from a single tree. The linden tree has a special symbolic meaning and is part of the coat of arms of the village of Heede. The village community maintains a close bond with the linden tree and the tree is expected to continue to exist for many centuries.