The City Council of Seville, through the Department of Trees, Parks and Gardens, has begun a height review of the unique ficus trees in the Murillo Gardens, which reach up to 25 meters. The work, carried out by specialized technicians, aims to ensure safety during the summer.
The ficus trees in the Murillo Gardens, some of the most emblematic trees in Seville, are undergoing a height inspection by the City Council. The Department of Trees, Parks and Gardens has initiated this work during the summer to enhance safety and preserve these specimens, which are part of the city's most valuable tree heritage.
A specialized team, consisting of a height work platform and a European Tree Worker (ETW) – a European certification that accredits professionals in tree management and maintenance – is reviewing each tree. The technicians use climbing techniques to access the entire canopy and conduct detailed inspections, acting only when strictly necessary.
During each review, the structural joints of the branches, known as forks, the presence of branches with excess load or leverage effect, dry wood, new shoots, and any other conflicts that may compromise the stability of the specimen are examined. If any issues are detected, specific actions are taken to eliminate the risk, maintaining the natural development of the tree and preserving its structure as much as possible.
The Parks and Gardens delegate, Evelia Rincón, has emphasized that “these trees are part of Seville's history and represent a natural heritage that we must conserve with the utmost technical rigor.” Rincón highlighted that “height inspections allow us to accurately assess the condition of each specimen and act only where necessary, ensuring safety without altering the environmental and landscape value of these large trees.”
These reviews are particularly important during the summer months to prevent Summer Branch Drop, a phenomenon that primarily affects mature trees subjected to prolonged periods of high temperatures and water stress. It is characterized by the sudden fall of large branches that appear healthy, with no visible signs of prior deterioration. Water loss, decreased wood flexibility, and the load certain branches bear can promote this type of breakage.
In Seville, this phenomenon is fully identified. The city records an annual average of 1,000 incidents of branch falls, of which approximately half occur during the summer. These figures highlight the importance of developing specific summer inspection programs, especially for large, unique specimens located in areas heavily frequented by citizens.
Rincón also emphasized that “the management of unique trees requires highly qualified professionals and exclusively technical criteria.” In this regard, she recalled that “thanks to these reviews, the people of Seville can continue to safely enjoy trees that provide shade, reduce temperature, capture carbon dioxide, and constitute an essential element of the landscape and history of our city.”
The ficus trees in the Murillo Gardens are considered unique trees due to their size, longevity, and significance within Seville's green heritage. These specimens have witnessed the city's evolution for decades and continue to offer significant environmental and social benefits, becoming one of the most emblematic spaces for residents and visitors. With these actions, the municipal government of José Luis Sanz continues to advance in the conservation of Seville's tree heritage through preventive, specialized, and respectful management of the natural development of the trees.
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