Sciacca removes pine trees on Via Catusi due to infrastructure damage

The municipality of Sciacca has removed four pine trees from Via Catusi after technical assessments determined their root systems had compromised the stability of the road and sidewalks, creating safety risks. Agnese Sinagra, the assessor for public greenery, stated the removal was necessary due to the precarious condition of the trees. The administration plans to replant new trees in September that are better suited to the urban environment and the specific dimensions of the planting areas.

Local residents have expressed frustration, noting that while the trees were removed for safety, a persistent water leak in the same area continues to cause frequent flooding and slippery road conditions.

Members of the “Sud chiama Nord” group have used the incident to call for a more strategic approach to urban greenery. They argue that future planting must consider long-term factors such as root development, canopy size, and proximity to infrastructure to prevent similar damage to sidewalks and utilities. They suggested using native Mediterranean species, such as bitter orange, to better integrate with the local landscape.