Are there trees planted to replace beams in Notre Dame?

On April 15, 2019, the world watched in shock as the famous Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris caught fire, damaging its iconic spire and roof. The fire, which lasted for hours, destroyed the wooden beams that held the roof in place and threatened to bring down the entire cathedral.

Since the fire, there has been a lot of talk about how to rebuild Notre Dame, and one idea that has been suggested is to use trees to replace the wooden beams that were destroyed in the fire. But are there trees being planted to make this idea a reality?

The idea of using trees to replace beams

One of the main reasons why using trees as a replacement for the wooden beams in Notre Dame has been suggested is because of the environmental aspect of the project. Many experts have argued that using trees would be a more sustainable and eco-friendly way to rebuild the cathedral, as trees are renewable resources and can be replenished naturally over time.

Another reason why using trees as a replacement for the wooden beams would be a good idea is because of their strength and durability. Trees have been used as building materials for centuries and are known for their ability to withstand heavy loads, making them ideal for use in constructions such as the beams in Notre Dame.

The progress so far

While the idea of using trees to replace the beams in Notre Dame sounds promising, the reality is that the project is still in its early stages and there has been no definitive decision about how the rebuilding will take place.

One major hurdle that needs to be overcome is the issue of finding the right trees to use. The beams that were destroyed in the fire were made from oak trees that were more than 800 years old, and finding trees of similar size and age is no easy task. This is made all the more difficult by the fact that oak trees can take up to 200 years to reach maturity, meaning that replanting a new oak forest would take a very long time.

Possible solutions

Despite the challenges, there are a few possible solutions that have been suggested. One idea is to use salvaged timber from other sources, such as old buildings or ships, as a more sustainable alternative to new timber. Another idea that has been suggested is to use modern materials such as steel to provide additional structural support to the cathedral.

However, these ideas have also met with some criticism. Using salvaged timber may not be a feasible option, as the timber may not be strong enough or may not meet the strict structural standards required for use in Notre Dame. Likewise, using modern materials such as steel would alter the original aesthetic of the cathedral and may not be viewed as an appropriate replacement for the wooden beams.

Conclusion

While the idea of using trees to replace the beams in Notre Dame is an attractive one, the reality is that the project is still in its early stages and there are many challenges that need to be overcome. Whether or not trees will be used remains to be seen, but whatever solution is ultimately chosen, it is clear that the rebuilding of Notre Dame will require a lot of careful thought and consideration.