The ficus It is a common species in many urban and natural environments, where it stands out both for its ornamental and ecological value and for the challenges it poses in its management and coexistence with citizens. In recent years, this tree has become the focus of public debates, protection initiatives, and, often, controversies surrounding logging, the risk of falling, and the effects on public health. Learn more about ficus care.
The relationship between the ficus and the city does not go unnoticed. Recent cases In different parts of Spain and Latin America, they show how their presence can be a source of both neighborhood pride and conflict, depending on factors such as the state of conservation, safety, or the impact on the quality of life of residents.
Citizen debates on the felling of ficus trees in urban spaces
In neighborhoods like Triana, in Seville, the felling of a large specimen The removal of a ficus tree on San Jacinto Street has sparked a wave of criticism from residents, environmental movements, and citizen platforms focused on protecting this type of tree. The intervention, carried out after detecting a noticeable lean and risk of falling, triggered complaints about the Municipal management, transparency in decisions and the possibility of seeking alternatives to the total removal of the tree.
According to municipal officials, the priority is the citizen security, which is why felling is justified by technical reports and specific protocols. However, neighborhood associations are calling for public access to the studies conducted and demanding more proactive strategies to conserve mature trees, given their benefits in combating phenomena such as urban heat islands.
The controversy transcends borders. In Panama, the Tourism Authority justified the removal of several ficus trees in the vicinity of the Atlapa Convention Center after detecting serious phytosanitary damage. The agency insisted that the action was based on technical reports and aimed at protecting both people and infrastructure.
Risks, adaptations and care of ficus trees in public spaces
Large ficus trees, such as those present in the Floridablanca Garden in Murcia, require specialized care To adapt to Mediterranean climates and prevent risks, municipal staff have developed specific strategies, such as overhead irrigation using water cannons, to maintain humidity in the canopy and prevent branch fall during the warmer months, a problem particularly acute for species like Ficus macrophylla.
Experts point out that the phenomena of falling branches can be due to both water stress as well as extreme environmental factors, such as heat waves or, occasionally, seismic movements. excessive pruning, far from being a definitive solution, can even increase the vulnerability of trees.
Living with these trees is not without incident. In Malaga, a resident recounted how a large branch of a ficus tree nearly fell on her, and several citizens have expressed concern about the condition of the roots and the impact of urban developments on the trees' health.
The ficus and ecological balance: new research and applications
Beyond their role in the city, recent international studies have revealed a surprising property of certain species of ficus: carbon sequestration by converting COâ‚‚ into calcium carbonateAccording to research presented by an international scientific team, species such as Ficus wakefieldii have the ability to transform atmospheric COâ‚‚ into rock, a process known as the oxalate-carbonate pathway.
This phenomenon, which gives stability to stored carbon and can last for centuries, offers agronomic benefits by improving soil pH and making it more fertile, in addition to providing edible fruits and contributing to regenerative agriculture. If its viability on a large scale is confirmed, the ficus could play a crucial role in conservation projects. sustainable agroforestry and fight against climate change.
Health and Allergies: Indoor Ficus and the Risks for Sensitive People
The rise of indoor plants has popularized species such as the ficus benjamina, highly prized for their appearance but not without controversy from a health perspective. Allergology specialists They warn that ficus trees can release latex and spores that can trigger respiratory reactions in sensitive people, especially in poorly ventilated environments such as bedrooms.
Real-life cases compiled by health professionals show that living with large amounts of plants at night can cause symptoms such as coughing, nasal congestion, breathing difficulties, and morning fatigue. Figures provided by medical societies show that a significant percentage of nocturnal asthma attacks are associated with the presence of plants, with the ficus tree being one of the most frequently implicated species. Learn about the diseases of the ficus benjamina.
The advice of the experts is to opt for safer alternatives for those who present symptoms, such as sansevieria or aloe vera, as well as temporarily removing the plants to check for improvements in sleep quality and respiratory health.
