The ecological group Trees Speak has once again criticised the Santa Cruz City Council for the alleged condition of the capital’s grove. This time, the focus is on the large species in Viera y Clavijo park, currently closed for internal refurbishments.
Activists are accusing the council on social media of neglecting the maintenance of the large trees in Viera and Clavijo, such as the more than 20-meter-high cypress, now completely dried up, along with other affected species like the ceiba and various ficus trees.
The group is questioning why the trees in the construction areas are being left without proper irrigation and demands that Mayor José Manuel Bermúdez stop the “tree slaughter” in the city. This situation is also linked to another recent complaint by the organization regarding the planned felling of six Gabon tulip trees in Plaza del Orche, another construction area.
In response, the Councilor for Public Services and Environmental Sustainability, Carlos Tarife, stated that since the start of the works in Viera and Clavijo, all the trees are checked weekly, and the irrigation systems are functioning. He further assures that despite the ongoing renovations, the aim is to preserve the grove.
Tenerife’s capital is home to around 50,000 trees and palm trees. Viera and Clavijo boast a remarkable 16-meter-high ceiba tree, originating from a seed brought from Cuba.
The ceiba tree in all its glory. | GIVES
Current state of the ceiba tree. | Trees Speak
