The Buenos Aires City Government, through the Ministry of Public Space and Urban Hygiene, has completed 100% of the plantations scheduled in its 2024 Tree Planting Plan.
This year, the City reached the goal of 18,074 newly planted trees, 50% more than in 2023, thanks to an additional reinforcement aimed at mitigating the losses caused by the strong storms of December 2023.
“We kept our promise, planting three trees for each one that fell in the storm almost a year ago. And also due to climate change, there has been an 11% increase in rainfall and torrential rains have become very frequent. In the face of that problem, having trees, which also retain water, ensures greater absorption capacity, and that also helps a lot. Today we have a better tree canopy,” said the Chief of Government, Jorge Macri.
Out of the 18,074 planted this year, 15,000 were originally planned in the Tree Master Plan, and 3,074 were added by the Buenos Aires City Government to mitigate the impact suffered during the storm on December 17, 2023. This represents an increase of more than 20% compared to plantations in recent years. If compared exclusively with the 2023 planting, the increase is 50%.
“Caring for the natural heritage is a priority for our management. Planting new trees not only makes the City beautiful, it also improves air quality, regulates temperature, and creates healthier living spaces. We have recovered what was lost in the storms and continue to strengthen our tree canopy against increasingly complex climate challenges,” highlighted Ignacio Baistrocchi, Minister of Public Space and Urban Hygiene.
More trees in all districts
The 2024 Tree Planting Plan was carried out between the months of May and November. The warmer months were avoided to prevent excess transplant stress on the new trees.
The plantations were carried out in both the Buenos Aires green spaces of all districts and in the planters located on public roads. The plan included:
- 7,500 new planters built on sidewalks in the 15 districts.
- 6,131 empty planters identified and repopulated.
- 4,443 trees planted in green spaces, respecting the original landscaping design of these areas.
It is worth mentioning that 30 different tree species were planted according to the current Master Plan and based on the characteristics and needs of each urban corridor. This year, the five most planted species were: jacaranda, plane tree, linden, crape myrtle, and American ash.
Buenos Aires City 2024 Tree Planting Plan[/caption>
The importance of maintenance and expansion of the tree canopy in the City
The guidelines of this 2024 Tree Planting Plan emerged from the City’s Tree Master Plan, which guides planting protocols, maintenance, and pruning, ensuring strategic planning to protect and expand urban biodiversity.
According to the latest census, the City has a total of 430,000 trees, distributed between street trees and green spaces. The districts, through the Communal Management Sub-Secretariat under the Ministry of Public Space and Urban Hygiene, are responsible for their maintenance.
An average tree, like those used in street tree planting, takes between 15 and 20 years to reach a size that will allow them to provide services such as reducing urban heat, increasing carbon storage, and improving air quality. Once they reach maturity, between 40 and 50 years old, they will provide the maximum level of ecosystem services for all residents and visitors of the City.
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