Spanish cities face declining urban tree populations

Spanish cities are facing a significant decline in urban tree populations, driven by extreme weather events, fire risks, and urban development models. In Málaga, the removal of a historic ficus tree sparked protests from local residents, who left messages of gratitude for its shade before the city council cut it down for safety reasons.

Data from Madrid indicates a substantial reduction in mature trees. Between 2019 and 2022, the number of mature trees in the city dropped from 400,739 to 322,123, representing a nearly 20% decrease. In street settings, the decline was even more pronounced at 22%.

Several factors contribute to this trend. Severe weather, such as the Filomena frost and DANA storms, has caused significant damage and forced many removals. Additionally, a growing fear of wildfires leads some to view trees as fuel rather than protection. Urban planning choices, including the preference for hard plazas and continuous pavement, also frequently result in trees being removed to facilitate maintenance or construction.