The recent work on several ficus trees at the SanlĂșcar municipal sports complex has sparked public debate due to the extent of the pruning and its potential impact on the trees. Various sources agree that these are mature, large specimens, and that the pruning of the ficus trees at the SanlĂșcar sports center It has not gone unnoticed.
Environmental groups have expressed their concern and are demanding clarification regarding the reasons, the execution of the project, and the technical criteria applied. According to their assessment, the action exceeds the recommended standards for urban trees, especially when it comes to... evergreen species such as Ficus elastica.
What happened and how was the intervention carried out?
According to the information gathered, work was carried out on five large ficus trees (Ficus elastica) and two other smaller trees within the grounds approximately a week ago. The work was performed by personnel from the Municipal Sports Board and has left the trees with a very severe pruning of the crown and branches.
The trees have trunks with estimated circumferences between 1.5 and 2 meters, and cuts with sections reaching diameters of up to 30 centimeters. In several cases, the trees have been reduced practically to a trunk and two or three main branches, a result that experts consider equivalent to topping.
Impact on tree health and associated risks
The near-total removal of the canopy drastically reduces the leaf area, limiting the capacity for photosynthesis. According to specialists, this type of practice in evergreen trees leads to prolonged periods of stress and malnutrition, with the consequent decline in physiological vigor.
Another critical point is large-diameter wounds. These cuts can act as entry points for fungi and other pathogens, increasing the likelihood of delayed complications. Hence the potential for complications. weakening in the medium and long term.
- The massive loss of leaves reduces carbohydrate production and compromises the tree's energy reserve.
- Large wounds heal less effectively and are more prone to infection, resulting in a persistent health risk.
Municipal procedure and internal coordination
From the City Hall, the Councillor for Finance and Infrastructure, David GonzĂĄlez, stated that the operation was carried out without the prior knowledge of his department or the Environment Delegation. If confirmed, this would point to... coordination failures and lack of technical control about the performance.
Citizen groups recall that similar events had already taken place in the same venue. similar interventions last year on other ficus trees, and that crown recovery has been very slow. In their assessment, the response of these specimens suggests a Incomplete leaf recovery to date.
Alleged reasons and security alternatives
Among the explanations that have circulated are potential damage to buildings from roots and the risk of falling branches in windy episodes. Environmental organizations question the justification for such a drastic intervention without prior technical reports and emphasize that most of the trees are away from sensitive buildings.
Faced with these risks, they propose less invasive measures that balance safety and conservation. These options include selective cuts in specific branches, signage of areas, temporary changes of access or occasional closures of the premises during weather alerts, in line with usual practices in large cities with mature trees.
- Mark off and restrict access on days with strong winds to minimize traffic under canopies.
- Schedule light reduction pruning and sanitation, avoiding the widespread topping.
- Plan periodic reviews with criteria of risk management.
Local regulations and citizen demands
The Municipal Advisory Council for the Environment has repeatedly advocated for the approval of a specific ordinance to protect urban trees, along with a moratorium on tree felling and a technical framework for pruning and maintenance. This proposal enjoys public support and aims to clear and verifiable criteria.
The absence of a current ordinance makes it difficult to hold people accountable for controversial actions. Various voices believe there is a regulatory vacuum which does not help to prevent or correct interventions that deviate from good practice.
Furthermore, a Municipal Pruning Plan Aligned with the European Pruning Standard, a widely accepted technical document in the sector, this roadmap would facilitate proactive and transparent management and respond to citizen demands expressed through platforms that They advocate for protecting urban trees.
Monitoring the specimens and next steps
The treated ficus trees will remain under observation in the coming months to assess regrowth, wound healing, and overall response. The trees' behavior will help determine the need for corrective measures and, if necessary, stricter protocols. municipal green areas.
Underlying this is the continued demand for greater institutional coordination, prior technical reports, and public communication of planned work. Citizens and environmental groups are hoping for progress on the ordinance and the technical plan so that tree management combines safety, Plant health and transparency.
The case of SanlĂșcar has highlighted the importance of rigorously planning pruning in large perennial species: it points to health risks from wide cuts, doubts about the procedures followed, and the need for a stable framework based on recognized technical criteria. Avoid disproportionate interventions and improve urban tree management.
