On 28 November, a day marking the efforts of people who are taking care of trees in cities, we are presenting the tree of 2019 in Ljubljana. People who took part in a web survey have chosen the sycamore tree on the corner of Streliška Street and Strossmayer Street.

The sycamore, Platanus x hispanica, is exceptionally big and old. With its circumference of 596 cm and 33 metres of height it is one of the broadest trees of this species in Ljubljana and in Slovenia. It is also one of the oldest trees in the city, namely, it is already marked on the Florijančič plan from 1744 and is one of the two preserved trees which were lining Streliška Street on both sides, connecting the town wall at the foot of the Castle Hill and the beginning of Dolenjska Road.
Because of its exceptional dimensions and indicative importance, it is protected as a natural value of national significance.

The tree encourages responsible management of city trees

The mightiness of the sycamore on Streliška Street growing in difficult street conditions symbolises the significance of all big trees in the city and is encouraging responsible management of trees in the city. If we want to admire such trees in future we have to recognise their importance and role, and actively provide them with space, quality soil, proper care and other conditions for their successful growth.