The Municipality of Asunción is emphasizing the importance of protecting roadside trees and has issued a strong warning against unauthorized pruning, threatening severe penalties. Despite the recommended dormant period for pruning from May to August, frequent cases of trees dying or falling due to strong winds caused by indiscriminate pruning by non-professionals have necessitated increased public awareness. To address these issues and disseminate proper pruning methods, the Municipality of Asunción will offer free training on June 27th.
In a statement released on the 17th, the Directorate General of Environmental Management (DGGA) of the Municipality of Asunción stressed the importance of protecting roadside trees, stating, "It is our collective responsibility to protect and manage roadside trees, which are crucial components of the urban environment." According to the DGGA, pruning is essential for maintaining tree health and ensuring safety, but if performed at an inappropriate time or with incorrect methods, it can cause fatal damage to the trees. Biologist Fernando Cubilla explained that excessive pruning, especially removing more than 65% of the total leaves, can drastically reduce a tree's vitality and lead to its death. Additionally, unbalanced pruning can cause trees to fall during strong winds.
Unauthorized Pruning Subject to Administrative and Criminal Penalties
Maria Esther Leiva, an official from the DGGA, emphasized that "any intervention on trees located in public spaces such as sidewalks or median strips must be authorized by the city in advance." This regulation is stipulated in 'Law 4928/14 on Urban Tree Protection' and 'Municipal Ordinance 340/13'. Leiva warned, "Not only unauthorized pruning but also aggressive interventions that severely impact the tree's structure can lead to the death of the tree, and administrative and criminal penalties may follow." Indeed, the Municipality of Asunción has been receiving a series of reports of damage caused by indiscriminate pruning by non-professionals, particularly inappropriate work by employees of the Asunción Electricity Company (ANDE), necessitating thorough supervision by the city authorities.
Protecting Urban Greenery Through Proper Pruning Education
The Municipality of Asunción announced that it will hold a free urban pruning technical training session at the Asunción Botanical Garden on Friday, June 27th, from 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM, to help citizens learn proper pruning methods. The training, led by forestry engineer Nicolás Montedombre, is open to both professional pruning technicians and the general public.
Leiva stated that the training will "teach appropriate pruning techniques, including how to identify primary, secondary, and tertiary branches, as well as formation pruning, crown reduction pruning, and safety pruning." Participants will also be educated on avoiding the use of inappropriate tools like knives or sickles and on using professional tools.
Citizens wishing to participate in the training can apply in person at the Directorate General of Environmental Management on the 9th floor of Building A at the Asunción City Hall. Leiva emphasized the importance of this training, stating, "Incorrect tree management threatens not only the health of the trees but also the safety of citizens and, furthermore, the environmental balance of the city." Inquiries about the training can be made by phone at (0982) 303-921.
Active Citizen Cooperation and Reporting Requested
The Directorate General of Environmental Management of the Municipality of Asunción urged citizens to always obtain city approval when pruning roadside trees. Pruning-related complaints can be submitted by calling the city's citizen complaint service at (0986) 128-777, or by visiting the Biodiversity Unit of the DGGA on the 9th floor of Building A at the City Hall. However, minor pruning that does not severely affect the tree, such as trimming branches that cover roofs or encroach on roads, may be done without prior permission.
The Municipality of Asunción plans to continue its efforts to protect the city's valuable roadside trees and ensure a safe and pleasant environment for citizens through this training and stringent enforcement. Active public interest and cooperation are expected to play a crucial role in shaping the city's green future.
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