Chillán mayor orders tree pruning to tackle elm borer infestation

The municipality of Chillán, acting through the concessionaire Parques Hernán Johnson Limitada, began pruning trees in the Plaza de Armas to reduce the risk of falling branches and trunks. The action follows a phytosanitary study that detected the presence of the elm borer (“Vaquita del Olmo”) affecting about 14 of the twenty elm specimens evaluated. Mayor Camilo Benavente said the work aims to protect pedestrians and prepare for upcoming events such as the Fiesta de la Longaniza and the national holidays. After the initial weight‑reduction pruning, the city will assess further measures and consider replacing older trees with species like Araucaria, Peumo, Arrayán, Magnolia, Coigüe, Raulí or Lleuque to improve urban biodiversity.