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Drought leaves Barcelona streets without trees and now there are too few to replant
Barcelona is grappling with a problem that is already visible on many streets: empty tree pits following the drought. Thousands of trees died and, although the city has begun replacing them, recovery is not progressing at the expected pace for an unexpected reason: there are not enough trees available.
The Ayuntamiento de Barcelona and other municipalities have sharply increased their orders following the end of water restrictions. The result is a bottleneck at nurseries, which cannot meet demand, especially for certain species and large specimens.
The problem is not just about quantity, but also about time. The most sought-after trees require years to grow and cannot be produced overnight. This forces changes in plans, the choice of alternative species, or the planting of smaller specimens.
Moreover, the pressure is not only coming from Barcelona. Other cities, even outside Spain, are seeking species that are more resistant to heat and drought. This trend, linked to climate change, has intensified 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. Replacement is not immediate and affects the daily experience of those who live and move around the city.
Barcelona thus faces 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.