Burgas, January 8 – The Municipality of Burgas has commenced pruning the crowns of plane trees along Aleksandrovska Street, responding to numerous complaints from residents about the dangers posed by overgrown branches.
The initiative began today, focusing on the stretch between Vasil Levski Street and San Stefano Boulevard.
A total of 83 plane trees will undergo pruning, with the work starting in the section between “Probuda” and “Macedonia” streets, where residents have reported the most issues.
Complaints highlight the risks of falling branches during storms and high winds, posing a serious hazard to pedestrians.
The pruning effort aims to rejuvenate the trees by removing dried branches and reducing their crowns to a minimum. Officials assure that this process will ensure the trees provide ample shade come spring while eliminating risks to public safety.
The campaign, which is set to continue through February, reflects the municipality’s commitment to addressing residents’ concerns while preserving the city’s green spaces.
Public Debate Delays Larger Urban Renewal Plans
While the pruning campaign proceeds, the broader question of whether to replace the aging plane trees along Aleksandrovska Street remains contentious.
The Municipality of Burgas has expressed readiness to undertake a comprehensive renovation of this key thoroughfare, including replacing the existing trees with species better suited to an urban environment. However, the project remains on hold due to divided public opinion.
A survey conducted three months ago revealed that while 57% of participants supported replacing the old trees, citing safety concerns and the trees’ declining health, 34.9% opposed the idea.
The significant minority resisting the tree replacement has halted progress on the larger renovation project, reflecting the community’s attachment to the historic greenery lining the street.
Residents favoring tree replacement argue that the current plane trees, many of which are decades old, are increasingly unstable and unsuitable for a densely populated area. They advocate for new trees that would require less maintenance and pose fewer risks.
Conversely, opponents emphasize the cultural and aesthetic value of the existing trees, expressing concerns about the environmental impact of removing them and the time it would take for new trees to mature.
Safety and Aesthetics in Focus
The municipality’s interim solution of pruning the trees underscores its focus on immediate safety while balancing differing public opinions.
Burgas officials have reiterated their commitment to public dialogue, stressing the importance of community involvement in shaping the city’s future.
“We understand the concerns on both sides,” said a spokesperson for the municipality. “Our primary responsibility is to ensure public safety while respecting the community’s views. This pruning campaign is a step towards addressing immediate risks, and we remain open to discussions about long-term solutions for Aleksandrovska Street.”
As the pruning continues, residents are encouraged to report any additional concerns about tree safety in the area. Whether the broader renovation project will move forward remains uncertain, with municipal leaders emphasizing the need for greater consensus.
For now, the work to trim the trees is a clear reminder of the challenges in balancing urban development with heritage preservation, a debate that continues to shape Burgas’ evolving landscape.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members