November 27, 2015
November 20, 2015
Vandalism in Valby
A twisted individual (or individuals) have gone berserk in Valbyparken, systematically vandalizing 45 trees in the dark of night. They have been girdled (bark cut off all the way around) as was the case with the old chestnut tree in the Skate Park.
The bark is a vital part of the tree, it is where nutrients is transported to the canopy. Without bark, the tree dies. And without trees, humans die. It is that simple.
Sigh.
Link to TV Lorry, about the 45 vandalized trees: here.
Update:
A citizen suggests trying to save the trees with this method: How To Fix Girdled Trees. Anyone in the area or others in the group, who wants to follow up on this idea, or try and save a couple of trees this way?
UPDATE:
The destruction continues! Another 20 cut to death just today, according to Politiken. The total of vandalized trees are now up to 70-80 birch trees. Someone catch this person!
November 18, 2015
We will fight till the end
Many of us have still not given up on saving trees in Møllegade. Where the Local Council and Environmental Council have declared themselves satisfied with only three out of eighteen existing trees, politician Tommy Petersen (of Radikale) and the citizens are fighting tooth and nail to preserve more. And Nørrebro Nordvest Bladet, the local newspaper, is loyally helping keep focus on the case. They rock.
Reads: Fate of the trees still unknown.
At our audience before the committee, at the meeting where they decided to fell our fifteen trees without a vote, we passed on the advice
from building experts, suggesting the use of screw foundations by the
swapping shed. A shed that is to be placed on top of three big ash trees
facing Møllegade. By using a screw foundation the shed can be gently mounted next to the trees, with minimal risk of damage to the roots.
Radikale seized the opportunity and asked the Administration to look into this solution: Is a screw foundation a tree friendly alternative? The answer is now in: yes, without a doubt.
(In Danish, detailed answer, summing up: yes, a screw foundation is tree friendly)
This
is big. But does this mean that they are willing to push the shed slightly,
and spare the three trees? Thousands of citizens have petitioned to
preserve as many trees as possible on the new square. The question is, is anyone listening?
Previous posts, two years of fighting for the Møllegade trees:
November 15, 2015
Runddel accomplished
The new trees have arrived on Nørrebros Runddel. The City's plan was to fell all six of the 100 year old linden trees, when building the new square, but fortunately we managed to put a stop to that. Instead, they took just one and now the square has grown by three young tulip trees.
One of the many benefits of following a case from start, is the insight to the process and the opportunity to identify where things go wrong for our urban trees. By far, construction is the worst offender. Often they dig too close to the roots (it can and should be done with caution!), the root zone is overloaded and the bark is damaged.
During the construction on the new Runddel square, we have been in contact with the project manager several times, to stop the ongoing abuse. Heavy items were thrown against the trunks, causing damage to the bark, and the root zone have been under pressure from piles of stone and equipment. The last sad bark damage was spotted during the P1 Natursyn radio show, causing the program to end on an angry note.
One of the many benefits of following a case from start, is the insight to the process and the opportunity to identify where things go wrong for our urban trees. By far, construction is the worst offender. Often they dig too close to the roots (it can and should be done with caution!), the root zone is overloaded and the bark is damaged.
During the construction on the new Runddel square, we have been in contact with the project manager several times, to stop the ongoing abuse. Heavy items were thrown against the trunks, causing damage to the bark, and the root zone have been under pressure from piles of stone and equipment. The last sad bark damage was spotted during the P1 Natursyn radio show, causing the program to end on an angry note.
First alert, June 24th 2015
And again, September 18th 2015
In this case the cobblestones caused damage to the bark.
A citizen alerted us to this on Twitter, October 10th 2015.
We have achieved a lot by getting involved in the project from the get-go. The project manager have learned a lot about how to act around trees, something that will come in handy the next time. And, they are now looking into widening the planting holes further, for the old trees. We have inquired about round benches, to protect the trees from traffic on the square, but that is not possible due to fire safety regulations. Maybe we can find another way to shield them.
How it looked Friday. A busy offloading zone for heavy goods, by
the old trees. Doors of trucks inches from damaging the bark... we must find a way to protect these trees!
The local park manager Henriette Lunn Vonsbæk invited us to the
planting of the young tulip trees. It was a joy to see the city stepping
up the game, to this degree. The new trees had plenty of space and
quality soil, and are protected from pressure and traffic with wide iron
plates. The finishing touch will be iron cages around the trunk.
Gently nudged into place.
The old rescued linden trees have been cut back severely, in order to revive them.
It is a heartbreaking sight, but the park manager explained that even if they don’t cut back trees this severely today, they had to in this case, as the past wrong-cutting dictates the course of action. On the bright side, the trees have proven to be healthy, with no rot. These trees are so full of life, and now they at least stand a chance. That is all we ask.
Updated note 2019: We were told at the time that it was a necessary and correct cut, but that turned out to be far from the case. The max reducement of a full crown, is one third and that must be done by an arborist. No other country or city use this pratice by shaving all, not only is it bad for the tree which is exposed to rot and fungus, it also responds with water shoots in sheer desperation. Birds and animals have no place to live or find nourishment and the city is robbed of the all-important canopy cover. An utter embarrassing affair, that should never have taken place at the citys command!
Updated note 2019: We were told at the time that it was a necessary and correct cut, but that turned out to be far from the case. The max reducement of a full crown, is one third and that must be done by an arborist. No other country or city use this pratice by shaving all, not only is it bad for the tree which is exposed to rot and fungus, it also responds with water shoots in sheer desperation. Birds and animals have no place to live or find nourishment and the city is robbed of the all-important canopy cover. An utter embarrassing affair, that should never have taken place at the citys command!
In Danish / Læs indslaget på Red Byens Træer, her: Runddel finale.
November 1, 2015
The urban trees in Danish Radio Natursyn
Tomorrow Red Byens Træer (Save the Urban Trees) gets precious airtime on Danish Radio P1, in the cool documentary program Natursyn. It airs at 13.03, and will be subsequently be released as a podcast. We took a nice long walk with host Dorte Dalgaard, and stopped by both endangered, tormented and rescued trees.
Watch the teaser on DR P1's facebook page: here.
Introduced with these fine words:
Here is “Dametræet” the Ladytree. A six story tall, healthy temple tree (Ginkgo Biloba) about 154 years old, growing in central Copenhagen. It is in danger of being felled, but that can't happen if you ask Sandra Hoj (left) and Jennie Kaae Ferrara. Three years ago they founded the citizen's group Red Byens Træer and actively began opposing felling
of healthy old trees, cut down for urban development. They hope that
their work will inspire citizens in other cities to care for their urban
nature, as they see an urgent need for that. Listen to a portrait of
the tree activists in NATURSYN, Monday at 13.03.
UPDATE:
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
