Porto tackles palm catterpillar infestation in Passeio Alegre

The Municipality of Porto already started the palm plantation at the Jardim do Passeio Alegre and also at the Avenida de D. Carlos I, to replace the ones that had to be removed, last December, due to a palm caterpillar’s infestation.

The phoenix canariensis palm trees, Passeio Alegre’s crowning jewel now stand in larger number as, next Monday, eight young palm trees will be added to that location. The Municipality has been struggling to deter this effective eating machine that is the palm tree caterpillar, which infested palm trees in several other cities in the country and in Europe, as well.

This botanical family of perennial lianas, shrubs, and trees are part of the most attractive images of the city, and this is one of the reasons why they have been deemed of Special Interest.

It is worth mentioning that in March 2019, Porto City Hall ordered that seven trees in the Gardens of Palácio de Cristal were placed under a Tree preservation order; these Washingtonia robusta, which is the scientific name for Mexican fan palm or Mexican washingtonia, are now officially protected upon request by Porto City Hall to preserve and take care of this invaluable patrimony.

Trees contribute to the environment by providing oxygen, improving air quality, climate amelioration, conserving water or preserving soil; thus, conserving trees is not just a climate problem but also a social one.

In fact, it has been several years now that Porto City Hall activated a prevention and control plan to fight the scourge of the palm tree caterpillar in several palm trees in the city. This struggle is ongoing, with the Municipality of Porto using organic, biodegradable, non-toxic and non-contaminating products to fight off the plague.