Francesco Ferrini: Trees as Biological Infrastructure for Climate-Resilient Cities
In an August 2026 interview with Artribune, Francesco Ferrini, a professor specializing in Arboriculture at the University of Florence, emphasizes the crucial role of urban trees in combating climate change. He points out their importance in cooling urban areas, filtering pollutants, managing stormwater, capturing carbon, fostering biodiversity, and improving quality of life. Ferrini proposes proactive strategies such as georeferenced censuses and a 'canopy budget' to monitor tree cover. He also recommends implementing a 'tree passport' through QR codes for better transparency and cautions against the fear of trees, or 'dendrophobia.' Additionally, he highlights Italy's disjointed legal framework, referencing national law 10/2013 and the 2020 Minimum Environmental Criteria, while advocating for the sustained care of trees over temporary, costly solutions like potted trees.
Key facts
- Francesco Ferrini is a professor of Arboriculture and Tree Cultivation at the University of Florence.
- Ferrini authored 'Cronache da un pianeta confuso: tra illusione e speranza verde'.
- He advocates for trees as biological infrastructure, not urban furniture.
- He proposes a 'canopy budget' to measure tree cover annually.
- He suggests a 'tree passport' with QR codes for transparent management.
- Italian law 10/2013 protects monumental trees.
- The 2020 Minimum Environmental Criteria discourage drastic pruning but lack sanctions.
- Trieste installed 13 small plane trees in large planters, criticized by Ferrini.
- Ferrini warns against dendrophobia, an exaggerated fear of trees.
- He emphasizes the need for post-planting care to prevent sapling mortality.
Entities
Artists
- Francesco Ferrini
- Marta Santacatterina
Institutions
- University of Florence
- Artribune
Locations
- Florence
- Italy
- Trieste