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The Zöldfesztivál (Green Festival) held in Szeged’s Széchenyi Square recently highlighted the environmental challenges facing urban trees. Experts at the event discussed how factors such as soil compaction, heat, and human activity threaten the health of the city’s tree population.
Túri Tamás, a representative of Szegedi Környezetgazdálkodási Nonprofit Kft., explained that urban trees often struggle due to poor soil quality, which in many areas contains remnants of buildings destroyed during the 1879 flood. He noted that pavement restricts access to water and air, while heat trapped by concrete creates harsh conditions for growth. Furthermore, utility infrastructure and urban development continue to limit the space available for root systems.
A significant, often overlooked threat identified by experts is the impact of dog urine. In densely populated areas, a single tree trunk may be exposed to several liters of ammonia-rich liquid daily, which can damage the bark and root collar while altering soil structure. Long-term exposure to these substances can contribute to the decline of the trees. Other physical damage, such as carvings in the bark, bicycles chained to trunks, and vehicle collisions, can create wounds that allow harmful fungi and bacteria to enter the trees.
During the festival, Szabó József, a certified tree inspector and forestry engineer, conducted a tour of the diverse tree species in Széchenyi Square, which include plane trees, tulip trees, hackberry, field maple, Japanese cherry, Hungarian ash, red oak, various pines, and pomegranate. He demonstrated a non-destructive tomographic examination, which uses sound waves to detect internal decay, cavities, and cracks within a tree trunk.
The event also featured a demonstration by Masa Attila, a three-time Hungarian tree care champion. He climbed 31 meters into the canopy of a plane tree to remove a damaged branch, showcasing the precision and physical skill required for professional tree maintenance.
The Zöldfesztivál aimed to educate the public on climate change adaptation, covering topics such as community composting, the protection of pollinators, and the selection of drought-resistant plants. The festival brought together professionals and local initiatives to provide practical advice for improving the sustainability of private gardens and the broader urban environment in Szeged.
Article and image source: delmagyar.hu
