Milan's Tree Protests: Residents Fight to Save Urban Greenery
Residents in Milan have united to stop the removal of mature trees. In 2019, the National Museum of Resistance project by the Ministry of Culture threatened the existence of a wisteria and seven trees, leading to protests that ultimately saved the wisteria and four trees. However, in July 2024, an Acero Negundo was cut down despite opposition. With a tree density of only 18.1 trees per 100 inhabitants, Milan manages a total of 240,000 trees. Controversies have arisen over the 2025 renovation of Piazza Cordusio, which will be tree-free. The 'Forestami' initiative aims to plant 3 million trees by 2030 but has lost traction. Elena Grandi supports necessary removals for safety, while Enrico Fedrighini calls for improved tree care. The storm in 2023 resulted in the loss of 5,000 trees, complicating replacement efforts.
Key facts
- In 2019, the Ministry of Culture planned the National Museum of Resistance in Piazzale Baiamonti, designed by Herzog & de Meuron.
- The project threatened a wisteria and seven other trees; protests saved the wisteria and four trees.
- In July 2024, an Acero Negundo in the courtyard of Santa Maria Incoronata was cut down despite protests.
- Milan has 18.1 trees per 100 inhabitants, ranking 51st in Italy.
- The municipality manages 240,000 trees: 60% in parks, 29% in rows, 11% in schools.
- Piazza Cordusio, renovated in 2025, initially had no trees due to metro; five planters were added after criticism.
- The 'Forestami' project to plant 3 million trees by 2030 has lost momentum.
- Elena Grandi, assessora al Verde, defends cutting trees in 'class D' for safety.
- Enrico Fedrighini argues for subcategories and possible care interventions.
- The 2023 storm felled 5,000 trees in eight minutes, influencing policy.
Entities
Institutions
- Ministry of Culture
- Herzog & de Meuron
- Circolo ex combattenti e reduci
- Baiamonti Verde Comune
- Church of Santa Maria Incoronata
- Poste Italiane
- BovisAttiva
- Istat
- Comune di Milano
- Forestami
- Verdi
- Gruppo misto
Locations
- Milan
- Italy
- Piazzale Baiamonti
- Via Alessandro Volta
- Corso Garibaldi
- Via Costanzo Cantoni
- Dergano
- Piazza Cordusio