Just a fortnight ago, a substantial tree in the heart of Santa Cruz de Tenerife fell during the night on Avenida Veinticinco de Julio, necessitating the temporary closure of the road and an assessment of the health of nearby trees. These towering specimens were planted many years ago and their canopies provide shade and respite to that cherished area of the Tenerife capital.
Nevertheless, the care of the trees in Santa Cruz, which are so iconic to the city, has raised concerns for some time now, with instances of felling and falling branches as well as entire specimens increasing.
According to reports from the Local Police, another significant branch came down during the night this Thursday, thankfully without causing any damage. This incident occurred on José Fonspertius Street in the La Salud neighbourhood, prompting another road closure.
In addition to the Local Police, the Tenerife Fire Brigade and staff from the City Hall’s Parks and Gardens department were called to the scene.
As the area councillor, Carlos Tarife, deliberates on what action to take, this event brings to mind the prior incident where a branch fell in García Sanabria Park, injuring a tourist. The aftermath of that accident resulted in the complete removal of the tree; a large eucalyptus situated next to the park’s iconic flower clock. The removal of this tree ignited protests from local residents, who even held a vigil for the tree, arguing that the technical reports had suggested pruning rather than complete removal.
In August, yet another tree collapsed, again during the night, causing no injuries but damaging the exterior wall of the Ministry of Health of the Government of the Canary Islands in the middle of the boulevard downtown.
Groups such as Los Arboles Speak have been voicing their concerns for years, with heightened intensity and genuine fear and frustration, regarding what they perceive as a “war” against trees by the local authorities.
Carmen de la Rosa, a prominent member of Los Arboles Hablan, remarked in June, following the cutting down of the eucalyptus, that “it is not true that proper maintenance is carried out” on the trees in the city, as claimed by the City Council. “Numerous trees, including palm trees, aren’t being watered and are allowed to wither, as is the case with specimens located behind the fences due to construction work at the Viera and Clavijo building. Others have their roots exposed, and some have completely toppled over due to root failure.” … The issue at hand is that they are replacing 30, 40, or even 50-year-old specimens with new ones, mainly flamboyant trees, despite the latter being large, providing shade and accommodation for nests. “It’s unacceptable.”
