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The drought leaves streets in Barcelona without trees and now there aren’t enough to replant
Barcelona is facing a problem that’s already visible on many streets: empty tree pits after the drought. Thousands of trees died and, although the city has started replanting, recovery isn’t progressing as quickly as expected for an unexpected reason: there aren’t enough trees available.
The Ayuntamiento de Barcelona and other municipalities have ramped up orders since water restrictions ended. The result is a bottleneck at nurseries, which can’t meet demand, especially for certain species and larger specimens.
The issue isn’t just about quantity, but also time. The most sought-after trees take years to grow and can’t be produced overnight. This means plans have to change, with alternatives chosen or smaller trees planted instead.
What’s more, the pressure isn’t just coming from Barcelona. Other cities, even outside Spain, are looking for species that are more resistant to heat and drought. This trend, linked to climate change, has increased competition for the same types of trees.
The effect is already visible in the urban landscape. Streets have less shade, squares are more exposed to heat, and some areas will take years to regain their usual appearance. Replanting isn’t immediate and affects the daily experience of those living and moving around the city.
Barcelona is therefore facing a challenge that goes beyond simply planting trees. Planning, availability, and climate adaptation will shape the future of urban greenery. How this process is managed will largely define quality of life in the coming years.