The Derio City Council has planned the removal of 16 trees of the species Liriodendron tulipifera on Gernikako Arbola street, near Uribe Park, as part of an urban renewal project. The decision was made because the works would affect the roots of the current trees, making it impossible to guarantee their good condition and stability after the intervention.
According to the technical report, the existing trees are planted in small individual tree pits. As their roots have grown, they have displaced and broken the curbs, causing deformations in the pavement. Furthermore, the new level and pavement works would affect a significant portion of the trees' root systems. The option of transplanting the mature trees has also been ruled out, as it would involve the loss of numerous roots and their successful re-establishment could not be guaranteed.
In place of the current trees, a continuous planter box will be created, approximately 1.20 meters wide and over one meter deep. This space will be filled with topsoil and equipped with an automatic irrigation system. This new configuration will provide a larger soil volume for root growth, minimizing impact on the pavement.
New trees of appropriate size will be planted in this new planter. The selection of species will consider their good adaptation to the climate and urban environment of Derio, their compatibility with the sidewalk, and their ability to develop a wide canopy to provide shade along the pedestrian route.
This action is part of the urban renewal project for Gernikako Arbola street, between Sollube street and Larrabarri Avenue. The project also includes widening sidewalks, creating a new section of bidegorri (cycle path), improving access to Uribe Park, and renovating the pavement, lighting, drainage system, urban furniture, landscaping, and signage.
