New trees for an even greener Ljubljana
In Ljubljana we are aware of the immense importance of protecting our environment, which includes taking care of city trees. We strive to preserve each and every tree in the city and we are also regularly planting new trees.
Each spring – between 22 March, World Water Day, and 22 April, Earth Day, – we hold the traditional spring campaign For a More Beautiful Ljubljana carrying out numerous activities within its framework where we are joining forces to make sure Ljubljana is a clean, green and orderly city. This year because of the coronavirus we are unable to organise the campaign in its usual format, but nevertheless we are carrying out activities with which we are taking care of our environment.
At the citizens’ initiative we planted two new rows of trees at Baragova ulica and at Nove Fužine while revitalising a row of wild chestnut trees at the Plečnik’s Market protected by the Institute for the Protection of Cultural Heritage and the Institute of the Republic of Slovenia for Nature Conservation.
Adapting to climate change with a deliberate selection of trees
At Baragova ulica and at Nove Fužine we have planted a new tree species – the Italian alder (Alnus cordata). We have chosen this tree species due to its resistance to heat, drought and the city environment, and because of its ability to grow even in very poor, sandy and compact soil. We are aware that climate change brings about extreme temperatures and longer periods without precipitation, that is why we are trying to adapt also with a deliberate selection of tree species.
Two new rows of trees at Baragova street.
These trees are relatively fast growing, and so both new rows of trees are going to become important building blocks of the urban environment in a quite short period of time.
New trees at Nove Fužine.
Ljubljana cares for city trees
The City of Ljubljana is aware of the importance of city trees as they have a beneficial effect on the psychological and physical wellbeing of people and significantly contribute to the health, beauty and functionality of the urban environment. As trees affect the temperature and air humidity in the city, intercept dust particles, noise, wind and rainwater, produce oxygen, block solar radiation and clean air, they significantly contribute to the quality of the living environment for people, animals and plants in the city. At the same time, trees play an extremely important role in the fight against climate change. Namely, trees absorb carbon dioxide, the main greenhouse gas contributing to global warming.
We strive to preserve each and every tree in the city and we are also constantly planting new trees. Within the scope of regular maintenance of public green surfaces we plant from 300 to 600 in tree-rows each year. Numerous trees are additionally planted within the framework of renovating streets, roads, parking lots and designing new surfaces. We are also caring for fruit trees in city orchards and are carrying out afforestation of forests. So far, we have planted over 40,000 trees, in total.
Ljubljana is an internationally recognized »Tree City«
Ljubljana is recognized as a »Tree City« within the framework of the programme »Tree Cities of the World«. The recognition is awarded by the Arbor Day Foundation and the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the united Nations (FAO) to encourage cities to care for their trees.
The objective of the initiative is to promote active solving of some of the greatest global challenges such as the provision of clean water and air, and mitigation of the consequences of climate change and extinction of species.