All works involving trees as part of the Vjal Santa Luċija and Tarxien project will be taking place under ERA’s scrutiny. 1,011 trees will be planted (757) or transplanted (254) within the same area, which includes Paola, Santa Luċija, Għaxaq, Tarxien, Marsa, Żejtun, Marsascala, Luqa and Żabbar. When the project is completed, there will be approximately 300 new trees in the same area than there is at present.
This will compensate for 293 trees that will be uprooted as part of the plan for a road project that will divert traffic between Tal-Barrani Road and Vjal Santa Luċija through underground tunnels.
Additionally, 1,257 trees will be planted in Magħtab/Għadira s-Safra and Majjistral Park.
The transplanted Olea europaea, Ficus microcarpa and Morus alba specimens have to be maintained by the permit holder for a period of three years from planting. Evidence of transplanting must be submitted to ERA within one month of planting.
Should any of the transplanted trees die within this period specified above, the permit holder must replace the trees within the first planting season with trees of the same species.The permit holder must regularly inspect the transplanted tree to administer necessary care and monitor recovery.
Compensatory planting must be carried out within the first planting season following issue of the permit and evidence of compensatory planting must be submitted within one month of planting. The trees must be maintained by the permit holder for a period of three years from planting. In this case too, should any of the compensatory trees die within the period specified above, the permit holder is bound to replace the trees within the first planting season with trees of the same species and size.
More details regarding transplanting and pruning may be found here.
