Iași officials and experts debate causes of tree mortality

The Iași City Hall has issued an explanation regarding the premature drying of young linden trees planted throughout the city. According to municipal representatives, the vegetation is suffering from thermal stress caused by extreme heat and heatwaves.

The city maintains that it is conducting periodic watering and applying necessary treatments to preserve the health of urban green spaces. Officials stated they will continue their efforts to rejuvenate the city's vegetation by consulting both internal specialists and experts from the University of Life Sciences of Iași.

However, local experts have offered differing perspectives. Cătălin Tănase, director of the ‘Anastasie Fătu’ Botanical Garden, noted that while climate change and lack of precipitation are factors, the physical environment is also a major cause. He highlighted that modern street trees often lack sufficient soil volume and space to develop compared to previous decades, noting that narrow strips of earth are insufficient for healthy growth.