Significant Landscape Improvements Planned for Tenerife Roads
The landscape surrounding the roads in Tenerife is set to undergo notable improvements. The Cabildo de Tenerife has commissioned a ‘surgical’ enhancement around several roadways, which will involve pruning, planting, and maintaining the surrounding flora at various points along the island’s roads.
In total, actions are planned across more than 2.2 million square metres at a cost exceeding 17 million euros. The Cabildo has put out to tender a new contract for the conservation, maintenance, and enhancement of over 2.2 million square metres of green areas throughout the island’s road network, divided into four lots and four areas: Metropolitan, North, South, and West.
A Continuation of Service with Updated Philosophy
This initiative continues the service provided since 2014, but introduces a change in philosophy regarding the management of these spaces. The new model treats trees as a strategic infrastructure, on par with other public elements, due to their environmental, scenic, and climatic value.
Moreover, the contract will combine maintenance tasks with renewal and investment efforts in green infrastructure.
Beyond Basic Maintenance
The aim is to enhance the scenic image of the island’s roads, improve water efficiency, and ensure the long-term preservation of these areas. The contract includes regular cleaning and conservation tasks, as well as improvements in gardens, irrigation systems, pavements, and associated infrastructures.
It also anticipates urgent interventions to respond to incidents or unforeseen situations that may affect the green zones. One of the main innovations will be the implementation of updated inventories and specific management plans for trees. The goal is to have a detailed understanding of the existing trees and palms alongside the island’s roads, assess their conservation status, and plan necessary actions.
Successful bidders will be required to conduct ongoing monitoring of the vegetation’s health, detect pests and diseases, and apply authorised phytosanitary treatments when necessary. Furthermore, the contract promotes more organised management through computer systems and control tools that allow for tracking the progress of each specimen.
Pruning, Felling, and New Plantings
Tree management will play a fundamental role in the service. Periodic pruning will be undertaken to remove dry or damaged branches, enhance road safety, and prevent interference with traffic signs, power lines, or nearby infrastructures.
The tender also outlines provisions for the felling of dry, diseased, or hazardous specimens, as well as the replacement and planting of new trees, shrubs, and palms. Although the documentation does not specify which species will be included, it establishes that they must adhere to the landscaping integration criteria defined by the Cabildo for the island’s road network.
Transplanting and Infrastructure Improvements
Among the planned actions is the transplanting of trees and palms, which will require preliminary viability studies to ensure the specimens’ survival. Protective root systems may also be installed to prevent damage to roads, pavements, pipes, or public services.
The construction aspects of the contract will include renewing irrigation networks, opening and filling trenches, replacing pavements, and other interventions aimed at improving the functionality and sustainability of the landscaped areas.
