The Zapopan City Government has begun implementing a strategy for diagnosing and maintaining urban trees ahead of the rainy season, based on historical data on incidents recorded in the municipality. Around 20 neighborhoods have been identified that account for nearly 80% of the reports of fallen trees, which allows for the focusing of preventive actions.
Specialized personnel carry out inspections to identify trees that pose a risk, mainly those with an inclination greater than 15%, diseases, cavities, or damage from fungi. "Comprehensive tree maintenance cannot be done by just anyone. However, support is provided through technical opinions. It is indicated that the citizen should take responsibility for the tree outside their home and request the corresponding technical opinion. A prior assessment by specialized personnel is required to determine the type of problem the tree has and what the appropriate intervention is," explained the director of Parks and Gardens, Carlos Alejandro Rosas Gaxiola.
In the same way, he shared that the department has five specialized experts in charge of issuing technical opinions to determine if trees require pruning, treatment, or removal.
Reduction of Incidents and Estimated Care According to data from the Parks and Gardens Department, the number of fallen trees during the rainy season has decreased in recent years. Two years ago, 1,380 incidents were recorded, while last year the figure was approximately 760. Currently, work is being done on an inventory in critical areas, where it is estimated that between six and seven thousand trees require preventive maintenance. Reforestation work on avenues and medians is also planned, with the selection of suitable species.
Responsibility and Citizen Reports The municipality informed that the trees located on sidewalks are the responsibility of the citizens, in accordance with current regulations. "We schedule the visit of the specialist to determine what type of intervention is required," explained. To finish, he recalled that reports must be made in person at the offices located on Avenida Tesistán 801, Colonia Santa Margarita, with official identification, proof of address, and photographs of the specimen.
