Guanajuato authorities remove century-old tree in Marfil due to safety risks

Municipal authorities in Guanajuato have removed a century-old tree near the Marfil kiosk following safety concerns. The decision by the Parks and Gardens department of the Municipal Public Services Directorate follows an incident in which branches fell onto high-voltage cables and a roadway during the early morning hours.

Omar Rosas Ojeda, Director of Public Services, stated that the tree had already been identified as a high risk by both Civil Protection and Environmental departments due to age, pest damage, and roots damaging the surrounding concrete. He emphasized that the complete removal was necessary to prevent accidents involving citizens or vehicles.

The action has sparked local indignation, with residents questioning the lack of a prior formal diagnosis and expressing concern over the loss of shade and environmental impact. Officials noted that approximately 100 other trees in the city have been identified as potential risks due to being dry, diseased, or structurally unstable.