Local services
With the government’s support, the 50-year dream of the people of Debrecen has come true. With the first phase of the Civaqua program, which serves exclusively ecological and nature conservation purposes, the water of the Tisza has arrived in the Tócó stream. The Civaqua program creates blue corridors; a blue ring is formed around the city, with green corridors and green islands. It ensures the green ring and the joint development of the blue-green infrastructure.
Under the Civaqua programme, the Vezér Street reservoir was created. To extend the recreational functions of its surroundings, street furniture for recreation has been installed, and a playground will soon be inaugurated. The municipality will continue improving the Tócó stream’s green infrastructure by renewing the willow tree line along the watercourse.
Tens of thousands of trees are in Debrecen. The condition of the trees is regularly monitored by the experts of the green spaces department of the Mayor’s Office during their regular visits. Based on this, the necessary measures are taken under the professional guidance of the Chief Gardener. The willow trees on Károli Gáspár Street were previously planted next to the Tócó promenade because it is a fast-growing softwood suitable for a waterfront environment, which provides its surroundings with a significant amount of foliage in a relatively short time. However, the willow trees are beyond the age at which they can be safely kept in a residential environment. Due to the extreme, stormy weather experienced recently, several trees have fallen or split in two. Although the trees were regularly pruned, their crowns grew towards the stream, their trunks became S-shaped or Y-branched, and their statics weakened. Willows are short-lived and susceptible to pests and diseases at this stage.
The health of the entire tree line has deteriorated to such an extent that its replacement and renewal have now become justified and inevitable in connection with the residents living in the area, who have also expressed their support. The replacement of the tree line is being carried out on a schedule so that there is a continuous, living, green tree line along the promenade. The Green Space Department has completed a survey of the trees’ condition, and the tree line reconstruction will begin this year. According to the study of the first phase, which includes the area between Exit I. and II. from Vezér Street, 10 of the 28 trees here, the most deteriorated twisted willows, will be cut down and stump-milled.
To replace the trees that need to be cut down, 15 lanceolate alders (Alnus Spaethii), suitable for waterfronts but still tolerant of the urban environment, will be planted. The removal of old, dangerous willow trees will begin on Wednesday, December 11th, 2024. On Friday, December 13th, alder saplings will be planted to renew the tree line.
Source and photo credit: debrecen.hu
