The new urban tree management is evolving towards a more sustainable model, based on scientific knowledge and the criteria of the European Pruning Standard. Practices of severe pruning and systematic interventions are being abandoned to respect the natural shape of each tree, preserve its health, and ensure safe coexistence with the urban environment.
Trees are considered an essential element of the municipality, providing shade, improving air quality, promoting biodiversity, and making public spaces more pleasant. Pruning actions are planned selectively and carried out only when there is a justified reason, such as ensuring safety, facilitating mobility, avoiding conflicts with the surroundings, or promoting the development of young and adult trees.
This new approach rejects practices like topping or 'lion's tail' pruning, which can weaken the tree and lead to unstable regrowth. Small, selective cuts are prioritized, maintaining the natural structure of each specimen. It is also not considered necessary to prune a tree simply because it loses leaves, flowers, or fruits, as this is part of its natural biological cycle.
The management also considers fauna protection. Before interventions, the presence of active nests and protected species is checked. Dry branches may be conserved to promote biodiversity, provided they do not pose a risk. Tasks are carried out by qualified professionals, with an individual assessment of each tree.
The objective is to preserve the environmental and social benefits of trees and ensure they continue to be part of the municipality's landscape for many years, advocating for healthier, safer, and more durable urban trees.
