We were looking forward to the announcement of the results of the internet voting. I am very pleased with the outcome of the contest. This is an exceptional tree – a monument of nature, which has accompanied the community of Lodz University of Technology since the beginning of the university, i.e. for almost 78 years. It is also a favourite meeting place for citizens of Łódź, especially in spring. I hope that this well-deserved title for our Fabrykant will attract many visitors to Łódź, to our beautiful campus, from all over Poland and even Europe. I would like to thank everyone for their votes and I invite you to visit us," – said Prof. Krzysztof Jóźwik, TUL rector, after announcing the results of the contest.
Fabrykant is one of the most original trees in Poland and is a symbol of longevity and wisdom, informs the description of the tree on the contest website. – Its unique shape attracts visitors to Klepacz Park in Łódź. One of its branches is s-shaped and over 20 metres long, and the width of the Fabrykant’s canopy has reached an impressive 33 metres. In spring, around Fabrykant, we can admire the sapphire meadows full of snowdrops and Siberian squills, enhancing the noble character of the tree.
The Dragon Oak from Slovakia came second in the contest with 18,198 votes. Third place, with 14,219 votes, belongs to the Apple Colony from Krolevets, Ukraine. The results of the European Tree of the Year contest were announced at an awards ceremony in Brussels on 21 March.
The European Tree of the Year is a contest that emphasises the importance of trees to Europe's natural and cultural heritage. The contest is organised by the Environmental Partnership Association (EPA), based in Brussels. In Poland, the Tree of the Year contest is organised by Klub Gaja.