I’ll explain to you why cementing trees is harmful (and very dangerous!)

There concreting of the base of the trees represents a harmful practice that seriously compromises their health and stabilityespecially in urban areas. To preserve the city’s greenery, it is essential to understand the negative impact of such interventions, which can even encourage the tree to fall in case of strong gusts of wind.

The main problem of concreting at the base of a tree is related towaterproofing of the root system. Roots are essential for the absorption of water, oxygen and nutrients from the soil. When they are covered by layers of concrete, this vital function is blocked.

The tree, deprived of its access to resources fundamental for its development, he starts to sufferbecoming weaker and vulnerable to diseases and environmental stress. Furthermore, the absence of oxygen at root level can cause suffocation of the root system and the consequent weakening of the trunk.

Another negative effect of overbuilding concerns the mechanical stability of the shaft. A tree that fails to develop its roots adequately becomes structurally weak. In high wind conditions or during storms, a tree with compromised roots has less ability to resist and may collapse suddenlycreating potential dangerous situations for people and surrounding structures. The data highlights that many of the trees that fall in urban areas are often victims of a compromised root system, caused by excessive sealing of the surrounding soil.

Even when you remove it, some of the cement gets stuck in the roots and wood of the tree

In the specific case of concreting, as shown in the video described, the intervention of Cement removal becomes crucial to try to give the tree a healthier environment. However, often, part of the concrete it gets stuck in the roots and wood of the treemaking the recovery process even more difficult.

Even after removal of the surface concrete, the tree could have already suffered irreversible damageas demonstrated by visible signs of distress on the trunk or at the point of union between roots and trunk, known as the collar.

To prevent these problems, it is important to raise awareness of the importance of correct management of green spaces. Protection of the root system of trees should be one priorityavoiding harmful practices such as overbuilding and favoring the use of permeable materials, which allow water and oxygen to enter the soil.

Furthermore, the design of urban areas should consider the biological needs of treesensuring that their roots have the necessary space for develop healthily and robustly. And let us always remember that protecting trees in cities means not only protecting greenery, but also guarantee the safety and quality of life of citizens.