Nurseries boom as Europe's heatwaves drive demand for mature trees

The soaring heatwaves in Europe, surpassing 40°C, are fueling a rising interest in mature trees, which is advantageous for nurseries such as Finca Hermosa in Alicante, Spain. Established in 2008 by a group of eight Dutch partners, including Anton Visser, this nursery focuses on fruit trees and olives, distributing 60-year-old olive trees throughout Europe, including Romania. Sílvia Botía emphasizes the enduring worth of these trees. By 2030, the global tree-services market is expected to reach €2.5bn, with recommendations suggesting cities should achieve 30% tree coverage. New York aims to expand its canopy to one-third by 2040. Due to urban space constraints, saplings are more practical, and Belgian architect Bas Smets notes they can develop into forests within five years. Finca Hermosa is located near Elche's UNESCO palm grove, and Vivers Planas has reported a 20% increase in revenue.