Italian towns boost tree protection as pest infestations and safety risks rise

A voluntary protocol was signed in Giulianova between the national tree and landscape coordination and gas‑distribution company Citigas. The agreement sets non‑invasive excavation techniques, mandatory arborist supervision and strict root‑protection rules for gas‑pipe works, with the goal of becoming a model for the sector.

In the municipality of Cerveteri, the Multiservizi Caerite service resumed treatments against the invasive turtle‑scale insect (cocciniglia tartaruga) that is killing thousands of pine trees. The preferred method for large trees is endotherapy, injecting a targeted insecticide directly into the trunk’s vascular system to limit environmental impact.

Ferrara officials were urged to increase regular health checks after a large branch fell in a public park, narrowly missing three children and lightly injuring one. Politicians called for periodic stability assessments, visual tree assessments (VTA) and stronger monitoring in light of climate‑change‑related stress on urban trees.

In Varese’s “Città Giardino,” a dispute erupted over the planned felling of five centuries‑old cedars for a new development. A public petition gathered thousands of signatures, and critics argued that safety‑risk assessments were being used to justify the removal of historic urban greenery.