Madrid starts planting more than 1,500 trees with help from companies and residents

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Madrid is planning to plant 1,575 trees in cooperation with companies and residents in the coming weeks.

Under Mayor of Madrid José Luis Martínez-Almeida, the city announced in November that planting will start in Vicálvaro district, with volunteers from different companies and residents to take part in the project.

Madrid is planning to plant a ring of green approximately 75 kilometres long around the city, noting that authorities will instruct participants how and where to plant, and why specific species were picked.

City authorities stressed the importance of planting more trees to minimise the heat island phenomenon and negative effects of climate change in urban environments.

Four supervisors and one coordinator will keep a close eye on planting efforts to make sure the project is implemented as planned, with Madrid authorities stressing that the project includes planting of trees, shrubs and other types of plants.

City authorities pointed out the project will increase absorption of CO₂ from the atmosphere, transform Madrid and provide residents with more areas for cycling as well as have positive effects on health.

The Metropolitan Forest project should be completed in approximately 12 years and cost about EUR 77 million, with trees to be planted on 70 hectares during the first year.

Thus far, the city planted more than 130,000 plants and opened 16 hectares to the public.

(Photo credit: Madrid)