Street landscaping in Sofia is an integral part of the urban environment, which is much more than a decorative element – trees and vegetation on the streets and alleys play a key role in improving the microclimate, reducing noise, providing a buffer between pedestrians and cars, as well as maintaining biodiversity. Although Sofia has relatively good landscaping compared to other European cities, in recent years we have witnessed a number of problems and challenges that seriously threaten the green infrastructure of the capital.
This is stated in the position of "Save Sofia".
The growing urbanization and the long-standing problem of overbuilding – especially of inter-block spaces – are systematically reducing green areas per capita. We often see a discrepancy between the initially planned green areas in construction projects and their actual implementation. Instead of the promised green spaces, after the completion of the construction, many of them turn into parking lots. At the same time, the existing street trees are subjected to constant stress from pollution, narrow growth spaces, lack of adequate maintenance and aggressive urban infrastructure.
The data show that the species diversity of street trees in Sofia does not differ significantly in different territories – ash, plane, sycamore, horse chestnut and linden predominate. They are often planted in an inappropriate environment, which shortens their life and leads to additional problems in the long term.
The Forestry University analyzed the state of street landscaping in the capital in order to create a new Standard for Street Greening. A number of serious problems were identified in the process:
Outdated planting and maintenance technologies – the methods used are not adapted to the increasing anthropogenic pressure and climate change.
Obsolete species composition – most of the trees are 40-50 years old, and some even 80-90 years old, which leads to structural problems such as asymmetric crowns, stem rot and an increased risk of falling.
Lack of pruning standards – incorrect and untimely pruning seriously deteriorates the health of the trees.
Poor quality of newly planted saplings – they often have crooked stems, mechanical damage and insufficient care for the peristemon cells.
Lack of a monitoring and documentation system – currently there is no central registry for street trees to monitor their condition and the maintenance activities carried out.
Limited space for the root system – compacted soils, pollution, salinity and mechanical damage from transport and pedestrians further deteriorate the condition of trees.
What are the main solutions proposed in the Standard?
Integrated planning approach – greenery should be an integral part of the urban infrastructure, not an afterthought.
Selection of sustainable species – the dendrological composition should be updated with more sustainable trees in the urban environment.
Planting standards – the construction of root pits with appropriate substrates and aeration systems is essential.
Proper pruning and maintenance – the introduction of clear standards and regular phytosanitary inspection is necessary.
Street tree monitoring register – without a tracking system, there can be no effective management of the green system.
Protection of trees during construction activities – measures must be implemented to protect the root system and above-ground parts during construction.
How long will we wait?
The Department of “Architecture and Urban Planning“ (NAG) commissioned the preparation of the above-mentioned Standard for Street Greening – a document that aims to introduce clear rules for planning, designing, building and maintaining street greenery in Sofia. This standard is vital for improving the urban environment and adapting landscaping to climate change.
Currently, the Standard has been adopted as “done work“ by NAG, but two key steps remain:
Development of the graphic part of the standard – without it, the document is non-functional and will be difficult to implement by all who have to handle it. These are both street designers and builders, employees maintaining green systems and the administration.
Voting and adoption in the Sofia Municipal Council – without official adoption of this standard, it will remain just an idea, not a real policy.
The Department of Architecture and Urban Planning (NAG) commissioned the preparation of the above-mentioned Standard for Street Greening – a document that aims to introduce clear rules for planning, designing, building and maintaining street greenery in Sofia. This standard is vital for improving the urban environment and adapting landscaping to climate change.
The Standard has currently been accepted as a “done job” by NAG, but two key steps remain.
We call on NAG to take the initiative and commission the graphic design of the document so that Sofia can finally have an official Standard for Street Greening. It is time for our city to have a clear and long-term vision for its green spaces – not only on paper, but also in reality.