The collective known as Los Arboles Hablan believes that the Santa Cruz de Tenerife government (CC-PP) has initiated a “battle” against trees across the municipality and a new confrontation may arise this Thursday. An octogenarian resident of the La Salud neighbourhood, located on Arona Street in the 25 de Julio urbanization, has reached out to them recently to report the council’s plans to cut down two flamboyant trees that she planted in her building’s garden some years ago. These trees have stood for 50 years alongside her husband, and she has nurtured them all this time. According to a member of this group of outraged neighbours, her son is now prepared to attach himself to one of the two trees in an attempt to halt their removal on the scheduled day this Thursday, as indicated by the signs in the area notifying residents of the felling plans.
Upon being informed of the City Council’s intentions, the resident sought help from Los Arboles Hablan. The group provided guidance, and the lady submitted the necessary requests to prevent the felling of the two flamboyant trees. A certified agricultural engineer collaborating with the ecologists prepared a report, included in the documentation, asserting that the trees are healthy and their removal would serve no purpose.
Despite this, the council remains steadfast in its decision to cut down the trees on Thursday. Consequently, the son of the concerned woman is prepared to secure himself to one of the trees to protest and apply pressure, as a final attempt to prevent what the group views as another instance of the “war” waged by the City Council, a series of tree killings they have been carrying out for years.
As pointed out by Los Arboles Hablan, these are two extensively branched trees, rich in flowers, and hence, providing ample shade. According to the report submitted to the local authority, accessed by Canarias Ahora, there is no community risk posed by the health of these two trees. The engineer notes that the conditions are “completely conducive for the tree’s development (specifically, a 10-meter tall tree with a 12-meter crown circumference) under evaluation. The tree has sufficient space to grow normally, the soil is not compacted, and its crown provides ample shade, creating a cool atmosphere.” Furthermore, he asserts that “given the environment, the tree’s condition, and the environmental benefits it offers to the community, there are no initial reasons for its removal.”
The report highlights that, contrary to the norm for this species due to its root characteristics, these trees have not caused any pavement disturbance. Therefore, this common justification for felling them does not apply. It also mentions the successful recovery from “severe” branch trimming, indicating no risk in this case, consistent with other evaluated areas determining the risk levels.
Unless action is taken, Santa Cruz will lose two trees this Thursday. While replacements may be planted, the existing 50-year-old trees have no valid reason for removal, according to the group.
