03/08/2026
The emblematic Dutch landscape type, the Polder, is devoid of trees. The emptiness of the grasslands -that are reclaimed from the sea- serves as a welcome counterpoint to the otherwise cluttered conditions of the Low Countries. It provides a spectacular unobstructed view, an open horizon. But the openness has a downside: the cattle that is supposed to graze here has no place to hide from the scorching sun. The peat pastures provide zero shade.
Would planting trees help to reduce overheating?
Traditionally Polders are deliberately kept open. Trees extract large amounts of water from the soil and as such jeopardize the delicate water balance, leading to the drying out of the peat soil and eventually land subsidence. Also, grass does not grow very well under the crowns and trees might stand in the way of efficient maintenance: mowing, fertilizing and dredging of the irrigation system become less easy.
Even though it is becoming increasingly clear that shade is an essential feature for the well-being of livestock most farmers -luckily- refrain from planting.
While at this moment several holiday destinations are banning parasols from beaches, in an attempt to protect nature, manage overcrowding and reduce the risk of fire, perhaps the recently developed moveable Shade for Cows could offer a pleasant alternative for shading the meadows. Soon the Polders might be animated with self-driving umbrellas.
Images: Zhongnan Lao
