The Department of Public Services at the Santa Cruz de Tenerife City Council, overseen by Carlos Tarife (PP), made the decision on Tuesday to halt the scheduled removal of two mature flamboyant trees approximately 60 years old. These trees are situated in a private garden on Arona Street, within the 25 de Julio urbanization in the Salud Alto neighbourhood. The council’s decision comes in response to the outcry, which even gained national attention, following a report by Canarias Ahora that highlighted the strong opposition to the felling from local residents and particularly from the family that originally planted these trees. The neighbour who, now at 80 years of age, alerted the Los Arboles Hablan collective about this situation, was the same person who, along with her husband and son Santiago Palenzuela Rodríguez, planted the trees about six decades ago. She is willing to chain herself to one of the trees to prevent their removal.
The council now seeks a third evaluation of the trees’ condition. The Los Arboles Hablan group claims to possess a preliminary report justifying the unnecessary felling, in their view, along with a counter-analysis conducted by an agricultural engineer collaborating with the ecological group of residents who are denouncing the apparent “war” that the local government (CC-PP) has waged against trees across the municipality.
Last week, the City Council informed residents of its intention to remove the flamboyant trees. The family, who has diligently cared for these trees over the years and asserts that the trees are in excellent condition, lacking any root damage (common for this tree type), with dense canopies providing ample shade and cooling to the area.
Upon learning of the Council’s plan, the 80-year-old neighbour sought assistance from Los Arboles Hablan. The group guided her through the process, and the neighbour filed the necessary requests to prevent the felling of the trees, supported by a registered engineer’s report indicating the trees’ good health and the illogicality of their removal.
Despite the temporary halt in the felling, Los Arboles Hablan sees it as yet another instance of the “war” on trees declared by the Council. They remain vigilant for developments in the following days and weeks, underscoring the significance of community reactions and the need to resist the alleged “war” on trees. While the Council denies the accusations, prioritising public safety and highlighting the extensive tree population in the municipality, the group remains sceptical.
These arguments fail to persuade The Trees Speak group. Regarding the Salud Alto flamboyant trees, the group stresses their abundant foliage and shade-providing qualities. The engineer’s report obtained by Canarias Ahora indicates no risk to the community due to the trees’ health and their beneficial environmental impact. The report emphasises the ample space for the trees to thrive and their positive contribution to the community’s well-being.
The report notes the lack of typical pavement damage caused by this tree species and highlights the successful healing of branch cuts, negating any safety concerns. This assessment aligns with the overall low risk level identified in the analysis.
