Madrid CapitalNorte MetropolitanoEste MetropolitanoSur MetropolitanoOeste MetropolitanoSierra NorteNordeste ComunidadSudeste ComunidadSudoeste ComunidadSierra SurSierra CentralZona NorteZona SurZona OesteCorredor del HenaresSierra de MadridMadrid CapitalNorte MetropolitanoEste MetropolitanoSur MetropolitanoOeste MetropolitanoSierra NorteNordeste ComunidadSudeste ComunidadSudoeste ComunidadSierra SurSierra CentralZona NorteZona SurZona OesteCorredor del HenaresSierra de Madrid
ES|EN

La Voz de Madrid

Controversy in Usera over tree fall risk signs taped to trunks

Residents and the PSOE criticize the Madrid City Council's practice of using signs on dangerous trees, violating municipal regulations.

Image of a sign taped to a tree trunk in an urban park in Madrid.
IA

Image of a sign taped to a tree trunk in an urban park in Madrid.

The placement of warning signs regarding the risk of falling trees in the Usera district of Madrid has sparked controversy among residents and the PSOE, who criticize the City Council's measure.

The Madrid City Council has faced criticism for its practice of attaching signs directly to tree trunks in the Usera district to warn about the risk of falling branches. This situation, denounced by the PSOE and the Zofío Neighborhood Association, was brought to the district plenary, where a proposal was unanimously approved for danger warnings to be issued “correctly.”
For several months, residents of the Zofío neighborhood and Olof Palme Park have observed these signs, taped to tree trunks, which read: “It is recommended not to access this area. Danger of falling trees and branches.” These signs include the municipal logo and indicate that the area of Urban Planning, Mobility and Environment is responsible for their placement.
“

"What the City Council needs to do is to clear and prune the trees that pose a risk."

a socialist spokesperson for Environment
The PSOE has pointed out the contradiction of this measure, which also “violates the municipal ordinance that prohibits attaching signs to trees.” A socialist spokesperson for Environment in the Madrid City Council expressed concern, suggesting that the solution should involve “improving risk signage through demarcation and isolation of dangerous areas” and “intervening in affected trees.”
The Zofío Neighborhood Association has called the practice “reckless,” arguing that if there is a real danger, the logical step would be to cordon off the area or prevent passage, rather than relying on a note on a tree. Despite the unanimous approval of the proposal in the Usera district plenary, the neighborhood entity asserts that, twelve days later, many of the signs are still present.
For its part, the area of Urban Planning, Mobility and Environment of the City Council stated that “no signs have been recently placed in Usera” and suggested that the observed signs could be “warning signs placed preventively to alert residents when a strong wind episode is expected.” According to the City Council, these signs were placed on February 14 due to storm Oriana and were removed on February 16. However, both the neighborhood association and the PSOE confirm that the signs were still visible on April 13.

Related News