Strasbourg removes iconic linden tree due to disease

Authorities in Strasbourg began the safety-related removal of one of the two iconic linden trees at Place Saint-Étienne on Thursday, October 29. The tree, which surrounds the Meiselocker statue, was found to be suffering from a pathogenic fungus that has been eroding it from the inside for several years.

Recent analyses using electrodes confirmed that leaving the nearly century-old tree in place posed a significant risk of falling. The removal process, supervised by Pascale Gérard, the deputy mayor in charge of urban nature, involved cutting the tree from the top down in small sections to ensure safety. While the operation caused local traffic disruptions, the decision was described as a necessary measure despite the loss of the tree's shade and seasonal fragrance.