You don't need to be a great specialist to stop at the foot of the chestnut tree on Place René-Audran, in the heart of the residential district of La Châtaigneraie, in La Celle-Saint-Cloud (Yvelines).
Estimated 330 years old, this old gentleman with tortuous curves drawn by time commands admiration and commands respect.
He also seduced the jury of the annual tree of the year competition, visited him two weeks ago, since he represents Île-de-France for this 2021 edition, one year after the cedar. of the Théophile-Roussel hospital in Montesson.
Obviously, the public does not seem insensitive either to the charm of its framework, since the online ballot, which opened at the beginning of November, seems to promise for the moment a close arm wrestling for the victory with the tree of the Grand-Est, a 29-meter high Ginkgo biloba.
Meetings, conferences and book fairs to become "the city of trees"
The candidacy of the chestnut tree is carried directly by the city of Celle-Saint-Cloud, and it is no coincidence.
“The competition, which we did not know, is timely, welcomes Jean-Christian Schnell, deputy mayor in charge of public space, the environment and town planning.
It fully corresponds to our desire to be the city of the tree.
La Celle-Saint-Cloud is a somewhat special town in the inner suburbs, with 30% of the territory covered by forests and trees which are ubiquitous everywhere else.
We want to cultivate that image ”.
This is also why the city launched its first tree meetings this year, seminars organized in early October, and its tree book fair, two events called to be held every year.
A true showcase for this policy, the chestnut tree in Place Audran is also "the emblem of an entire district", underlines the elected official who was also vice-president of the association of residents.
“Everyone knows it, it's a benchmark,” he says.
Think: it's been around since the 17th century!
"
The emblem of the closely watched neighborhood
The health of the oldest inhabitant of the district, who was used for a long time to produce stakes (vineyard guardians), matters to everyone.
"He was ill a few years ago, we were all 36th below," recalls Jean-Christian Schnell.
Read also A satellite scans the forests of Ile-de-France to see how far the ink disease extends
Due to its isolation, the chestnut tree is for the moment spared from the ink disease, which is rampant in the neighboring massifs.
But the monument of the Châtaigneraie is placed under high surveillance.
Likewise, we take care of a possible attack of cynips, this microwasp coming from Asia which comes to lay eggs in the buds.
On the other hand, no need for special maintenance for this ancestor "who manages very well on his own", and who withstands gusts of wind, given his imposing anchorage to the ground.
“The branches sometimes break, but it stays put.
He is in the prime of life, he still has time to live, ”smiles Jean-Christian Schnell.
It even counts “in hundreds of years”.
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