The emergency and security services, alongside the firefighters and Local Police of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, in collaboration with Public Services technicians, undertook the removal of a tree, specifically a ficus, on Avenida 25 de Julio in the capital at the vicinity of number 10. This new specimen collapsed at approximately 11:30 p.m. this Wednesday when the area was unoccupied, hence no incidents were reported.
After addressing the branches that obstructed the roadway, the remaining sections of the tree were cleared the following morning. However, following an inspection by the Municipal Parks and Gardens technicians, it was decided that two additional specimens, two Indian laurels located near the fallen tree, would also be cut down due to indications of potential collapse risks.
The Councilor for Public Services of Santa Cruz City Council, Carlos Tarife (PP), stated that “a report has been commissioned regarding the fall of this ficus, while several potential causes for its collapse are currently under consideration.”
In this context, the mayor mentioned that, “although preliminary indications suggest that a fungal condition may have been responsible, it cannot be ruled out that it might have been struck by a truck. Possible causes will be determined in the analysis of the specimen, with results expected within a week,” he remarked.
Moreover, Tarife noted that “following the removal of the fallen specimen, a thorough examination of the remaining trees on Avenida 25 de Julio was conducted, revealing additional affected specimens, particularly Indian laurels, which are at risk of falling.” After an initial assessment by municipal technicians of the surrounding species, felling operations have been executed at number 18 on the aforementioned avenue “to eliminate any risk,” the mayor affirmed.
The Conservative councillor also added that “the land will be rehabilitated, and new specimens of the same species will be replanted,” but emphasised that “Parks and Gardens is attentive to the situation, and moreover, the emergency contract remains in effect, so we will request another additional report from the company.”
Tarife reassured the public, stating that “the incidence of tree falls this year in the capital has not been as severe as in other cities. Additionally, we are conducting a comprehensive analysis of the health of the specimens and implementing actions, including pruning and felling when necessary, as well as the introduction of new specimens.”
The assessment conducted by the national company Tree Research and Management, which was contracted by the city council to evaluate the condition of the municipality’s tree population after several specimens fell within a short timeframe, concluded that the town does not pose a significant risk of tree falls. However, it did highlight that the tree population “requires improved and more consistent maintenance.”
