In theme parks, everything revolves around creating an immersive experience. Visitors want to be transported into a world of adventure, wonder, and emotion. While we often think of thrilling rides and vibrant decorations, there’s one element that’s frequently overlooked: trees.
As a tree nursery, we understand better than anyone the importance of trees for a park’s ambiance, functionality, and sustainability. Our long-standing collaboration with Toverland, where we have supplied trees and provided guidance for years, is a perfect example of how trees can play a pivotal role in the overall experience of a park.
In a park like Toverland, every detail is carefully considered, and this certainly applies to the trees. They bring a sense of calm, offer shade, and enhance biodiversity. What many people may not realize is that trees can also tell stories. They bring themes to life and enrich the visitor experience. With our expertise, we help parks select trees that not only fit seamlessly into the landscape but also evoke the right emotions.
A prime example of how trees can shape a park’s atmosphere is the Taxodium distichum 'Cascade Falls' at Toverland. This tree creates an almost magical vibe. Planted strategically on small islands, these trees establish natural divisions between areas, subtly helping visitors to relax and become fully immersed in their surroundings. It highlights just how crucial the right tree selection can be for a theme park.
In the theme park world, the term "non-diegetic planting" is often used. This means using trees that thrive in our climate but still evoke the atmosphere of another place.
In the past, attempts were made to use subtropical plants, but our climate proved unsuitable. By selecting trees that are both weather-resistant and atmospheric, we create an authentic, sustainable environment that still feels exotic.
An important concept in theme parks is 'Pastness'. This involves choosing and placing trees in a way that makes them appear as though they've been there for years, even if they were only recently planted. This gives the park a sense of history and authenticity. For example, in Toverland, multi-stemmed Pterocarya trees were planted, and in just a few years, they have taken on the appearance of trees that have been there for decades.
Multi-stemmed trees, such as the Carpinus betulus, add a playful and natural character to the park. They break up straight lines and make the landscape more inviting and friendly for visitors. These trees invite exploration and create a dynamic, lively atmosphere.
In Toverland, trees are also used for practical purposes. A great example is how they’ve created a green wall that dampens noise and blocks the view of the outside world. This helps visitors fully immerse themselves in the park experience, without distractions from outside. Additionally, the trees provide ample shade on warm days, enhancing visitor comfort.
We help parks like Toverland choose trees strategically, so they also contribute functionally, such as reducing noise or providing shade.
The placement of large, mature trees can have an impressive effect. In Toverland, several large trees have been planted that are gradually concealing buildings, like the main hall, from view. After ten years, these trees have already grown significantly, and in another ten years, they will almost fully obscure the buildings, helping the park blend seamlessly into its natural surroundings.
At Van den Berk Nurseries, we are proud of our contribution to the magic of Toverland. Our role goes beyond merely growing and supplying trees. We work closely with landscape architects, designers, and park managers to select the perfect trees. Whether for ambiance, biodiversity, or practical solutions like noise reduction and shade, we ensure that the trees perfectly match the unique vision of each park.
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