76 International Congress on The Trees of History

SECURING OF BREAK-ENDANGERED TREE CROWNS Klaus Schröder Urban Forestry Service - Osnabrück

Abstract Breaking-off of crown parts, forks and large branches are the most common types of failure of urban trees (WILDE, 1996), resulting in substantial damage to objects and persons. Additionally, the trees are also often irreversibly damaged. Reasons for this type of failure usually include bark in forks, decay or fractures in branches. As an alternative to lop crowns or felling hazardous trees, systems for securing of break-endangered tree crowns were developed. One of the first of these systems was the double belt “System Osnabrück”, conceived by the green-department of the City of Osnabrück, Germany (SCHRÖDER, 1990).

Introduction Creatures of nature are normally adapted to withstand weather because regular recurrent situations have resulted in optimising processes of permanent adaption and selection over a long period of time. As an example of such creations of nature, trees are often exposed to extreme weather and they must resist storm, rain, snow and ice. Forces with an impact of some tons must be withstood. The experience of arborists shows, that straight grown trees, as well as certain types of branches best resist the rigours of the weather, whereas other shapes fail in this respect under the same conditions. Rugged tree crowns can be achieved with simple methods such as planting correctly grown trees and proper breeding pruning adapted to the actual development of the trees. Consequently, the implementation of crown securing systems would not become necessary. However, in case of the old tree population with problematic crowns preventive measures cannot help and it is for these old trees that crown securing systems have been developed. In Germany, the law requires that the breaking-off of parts of trees must be prevented, according to the decision of the Federal Court from 21. January 1965 concerning the legal duty to maintain safety. It states amongst other things, that “the responsible party must remove trees and parts thereof which endanger traffic, particularly in those cases when these are no longer steadfast or parts thereof are in danger of breaking off” (BRELOER 1996). Securing break-endangered crowns is therefore an alternative to felling or lop crowns and offers an acceptable implementation of the law which requires the removal of above mentioned dangers.

Left illustration: So called “pressure forks” are optimised for withstanding pressure in the forking area. Nonetheless, the narrowest point between the stems is exposed to great tension in the contact zone when the stems are bent by weather. The cross section shows, that there is bark enclosed in the contact area of the fork and only the outer annual rings have grown together. This type of fork breaks relatively often under traction power. Therefore, securing is important in most cases. Central illustration: So called “tension forks” are normally naturally well-formed. These are not at risk of breaking any more often than other healthy parts of trees. Right illustration: The installation of a crown securing system (break-securing) works like the pivot of a seesaw. The swing of the stems away from each other is transformed and results in pressure on the forking, for which this area is optimally shaped. Consequently, the break can be avoided. (Illustration by / comments according to MATTHECK) Torino, April 1st - 2 nd, 2004 77

Illustration of Crown Securing Systems (Figures and parts of the text in support of the German rules and regulations for tree care methods - volume 2001 – “ZTV-Baumpflege- Ausgabe 2001”-)

Crown Anchoring System: Made of threaded bolts, steel cable, and fastening material. NONE-injury free installation.

The extent of injury caused by the installation of crown anchoring systems is so great that this system should not be used in the future

Hollow Rope Securing Systems: Made of braided synthetic fibre. The rope is spliced back through the hollow rope and is fixed by tension. Therefore, no additional fastening elements are necessary (Single Component Securing System). Injury free installation. (VETTER & WESSOLLY, 1994)

Band Securing System (Gurtbandsicherung): Made of woven synthetic fibres, and slung around those parts of the tree crown which are to be secured. The belt is locked with a buckle (Single Component Securing System). Injury free installation. (SINN, 1989)

Multi Component Securing System (Double Belt Securing System): Made of separate belts, with a loop on each end. Most of these products consist of a strong, outer holding belt and a second inner fastening belt, which includes a stretch element in some cases. The connecting elements (e.g. synthetic hollow ropes, steel cable) are pulled through the end loops. Injury free installation. (SCHRÖDER, 1993) 78 International Congress on The Trees of History

Multi component securing system - double belt “System Osnabrück”: broad belts, tightly fixed around the trunks (or the trunk and the branch), absorb the power occurring in mobile parts of the crown and divert it into stable tree parts. Elasticity and high breaking force are the best requirements for using synthetic fibres in crown securing systems. In this case (left ill.) all components are made of polyester fibres. The connecting element is a hollow rope, but every other suitable connecting element can be considered. Therefore the double belt securing systems provide a variety of possibilities. The stretching element in the fastening belt (right ill.) prevents the secured tree parts from growing over the belt (Ill.: KREKELAAR) In 1997 beech trees were examined in an urban forest in Osnabrück. In these trees double belt securing systems had been installed six years ago. Results of the wood-biological investigations prove that “It can be stated that even after six years, no damage to the trees resulted from the installation of the crown securing system.” (STOBBE, DUJESIEFKEN & SCHRÖDER, 2000)

Break-securing / Fall-securing Methods of crown securing should be functionally differentiated according to whether these prohibit breakage or prevent parts of trees from falling down. (SCHRÖDER, 2002; SPATZ, 2003). While break-securing aims at preventing parts of the crown in the first place whereas fall-securing is designed to prevent a part of the crown from falling down after it has come to a break, despite the attachment of a break-securing system. Fall-securing thus aims at keeping the branch up in the tree.

Installation Before installing a crown securing system one should be examined, whether pruning of the tree crown is necessary or possible. Break-securing systems should be installed at a height of 2/3 of the secured part of the crown, if possible in a triangular connection. When a single break-protection is applied, an additional ring connection should also be used in order to lessen the risk of a “twisting break”. Install at right angles from the axes of the parts of the tree crown. The natural mobility of the secured parts of the tree crowns should be taken into consideration, in order to further encouraged the adaptive growth in the now mechanically burdened parts of the tree.

Calculation The calculation of break protection systems shown below is founded upon the following securing philosophies: “Crown securing systems (break protection systems are meant here, the author) be dimensioned tree equitable if the earliest point at which they fail is the point at which the secured crown part in mechanically healthy condition would fail under the same stress” (BETHGE, MATTHECK & SCHRÖDER, 1993). Accordingly, “where a branch- or forking defect is assumed, a crown securing system (break protection system – authors note) must withstand as much stress as the corresponding structure in a mechanically healthy condition could hold” (SPATZ, 2003).

Break protections should be calculated in according with the following calculation formula:

(BETHGE, MATTHECK & SCHRÖDER, 1993) Torino, April 1st - 2 nd, 2004 79

Illustration: GEMEIN

s indicates the medium bending strength (Biegebruch) of green woods. These values B originate from the American and English literature (LAVERS, 1983; US FOREST PRODUCTS LABORATORY, 1987). They are presented in Mpa, for use in the above formula they should be converted into kp/cm² (and therefore multiplied by 10,2) in order to reach the bearing capacity tonnage (t) of crown securing systems common in arboriculture. R equals the radius of the secured part at its base (or the potential point of fracture) and h (2/3 of the total length) represents the distance between the break-securing to be applied and the base of the tree part to be secured. The following table, based on the above mentioned formula, has been developed in order to help practitioners with actual set-ups on location, with consultation and with financial estimates. It allows to rapidly and exactly working out the dimension of necessary break-securing systems (SCHRÖDER 2004). The relatively common H/D-ratio values of 20, 30 and 40 (Height [total length] / Diameter) were applied to the crown parts. As an example the table is shown with the H/D-ratio of 40. All tables can be downloaded from internet under www.demetra.net . 80 International Congress on The Trees of History

Table for the Dimension of Break-Protections

Example: H/D-Ratio:40

Precautionary advice Conditions for the application of the tables must be a generally right angle binding of the break-securing to the tree part to be secured and it’s securing in 2/3 of the total length. Because not all conditions of a tree or the influence of weather at the particular location can be taken into account, it is recommended to estimate the factors of dimension generously. This means that if in doubt select a higher collapse load than necessary! With regard to the tables, this would result in choosing a lower H/D-ratio. The calculated collapse load must still be sufficient towards the end of a crown securing system ‘s working life. Should a truncation of the particular crown part be carried out parallel to installing a break securing system, the estimation of the necessary size of the break-securing can occur according to the H/D-ratio calculated before the pruning took place. The tables may only be used if the crown parts are unable to plunge in free fall after an eventual break. Therefore, no crucial dynamical loads are expected and the calculated H/D- ratio in the actual case is available. The breaking out of heavy crown parts and the resulting acceleration of gravity is only controllable, when supplementary fall-securing systems are installed. Thus, these must be used in order to prevent fall movements of broken crown parts immediately after breaking out. However, even in this case when the height of fall merely equals the rope stretching, the securing components experience at least double the weight load of the branch which is held. A tree part which weighs 1 tonne therefore exerts a dynamic load upon the fall-securing system which corresponds to a weight of at least 2 tonnes. The dynamic load increases over proportionally through increasing the height of fall. If, for instance, this branch should fall one meter, the superlative factor may increase manifold (TESARI, MUNZINGER & MATTHECK, 2003). Torino, April 1st - 2 nd, 2004 81

Components from material with a high collapse load are especially suitable for fall-securing systems. In Germany different single- and multi component systems are available from various suppliers, whereby the load-bearing capacity differs greatly. Details and figures are available from the following addresses: Fabritz GmbH ([email protected]/www.gefa-fabritz.de) “GEFA- Schlaufenband” – multi component securing system. Connecting elements = hollow ropes and steel cable “GEFA-Gurtband mit Schnalle” – single component securing system: Libre Power sails ([email protected]/www.libre.de) “Libre-Baumhalteschlaufen” - multi component securing system Connecting elements = hollow ropes and steel cable Meyerdiercks ([email protected]/www.meyerdiercks.de) “CrownTex” – multi component securing system (double belt “System Osnabrück”). Connecting elements = hollow ropes, steel cable and any other connecting element with a sufficient load-bearing capacity. pbs-GmbH ([email protected]/www.cobranet.de) „cobra” – single component securing system ZENITH ([email protected]/www.zenith24.de) “Crown Keeper” - single component securing system

Shock absorption When break-securing systems slow down crown movements, this should happen in a “gentle” manner without a sudden stop of the secured tree parts. Otherwise this could cause injuries. However, even the securing system itself should be spared from strong dynamic loads, because strains by sudden stops can much reduce the durability of synthetic woven fabrics and roping, a phenomenon we know from seat belts. All known types of crown securing systems can be equipped with shock absorption at low extra costs, whether it is a single or multi component securing system or a connection to the tree parts through roping, band or steel cable. The shock absorption occurs simply trough the integration of elements also known in boating sport (SCHRÖDER, 2002). However, it has to be kept in mind, that shock absorbers may under certain circumstances cause a reduction of the load-bearing capacity, e. g. when these are fed into hollow ropes (TESARI, MUNZINGER & MATTHECK, 2003). If a rope of artificial fibres is used as a connecting element, an additional installation of a shock absorber might indeed not even be necessary. Due to their construction- and material- stretchability, these materials are often elastic enough to already function shock-absorbingly. An elasticity rate of 10 % is not unusual. For this reason, the usage of this type of rope, in certain cases, meets the need for a retarding and soft braking of swinging crown parts. Control

Control Materials used for the crown-securing systems age due to the influence of various factors. In the crown, the materials have to endure exposure to sunshine, frost, rain, soiling, perhaps also microorganisms, as well as mechanical strain such as the braking of vibrations, amongst other things, all affecting the efficiency of the installed crown securing system. The chemical and physical influences do not pass without leaving trace. Metals begin to corrode, synthetic fibres become brittle, splices and knots might loosen. Therefore, the efficiency of crown-securing systems must be checked regularly, according to the instructions of the manufacturer. The following checklist can be helpful when doing so (SCHRÖDER, 2002). The check-up of the securing system should be documented. For this purpose, forms have been designed which cannot be printed here, due to lack of space. However, they can be downloaded from internet under www.demetra.net . 82 International Congress on The Trees of History

Checklist for the visual control of crown securings 1. General 1.1. Is/are the installed crown securing system/s still suitable for the current safety requirements? 1.2. Is the crown securing installed expertly? 1.3. Is, as far as individually relevant, the material suitable for the bearing of continual loads? 1.4. Has the crown securing system changed position? 1.5. Is the position of the securing system situated at 2/3 of the total length of the tree part to be secured (above the base)? 1.6 Are the components ingrow-endangered? 1.7 Are the connecting elements secure? 1.8 Is the installation of further securing systems (e. g. fall securing systems) or securing levels necessary? 1.9 When was the crown securing system installed, is a replacement necessary, according to the manufacturer? 1.10 Other

2. Checking the components 2.1. Corrosion or brittleness of metal components? 2.2. Torn ropework fibres / belts? 2.3. Other visual recognizable signs of a diminishing ability of load-bearing? 2.4. Fixed screw connection of wire-rope clips when using steel cable? 2.5. Correct condition of splices or knots when using rope work? 2.6. Other

3. Checking the tree 3.1. Ingrown parts of crown securing systems? 3.2. Chafing caused by girdled components? 3.3. Chafing caused by connecting elements? 3.4. Rot? 3.5. Breaksafety of supporting tree parts guaranteed? 3.6. Other

4. Removal of deficiencies 4.1. Renewing the complete crown securing system 4.2. Adapting the crown securing system to the current situation 4.3. (Loosening) widening the securing belt, band securing or hollow rope 4.4. Installing supplementary crown securing systems e. g. fall-securing systems 4.5. Replacement of damaged parts / systems 4.6. Other

5. Tree care measures 5.1. Realisation of relieving pruning measures 5.2. Removal of ingrown components 5.3. Wound treatment 5.4. Other

Exemption from liability The tables were designed to our best knowledge their use from the original version is permitted for everyone. The writer expressively emphasises, that the control and dimensioning of crown securing systems must happen according of the judgement and specialized knowledge of the individual expert. Conditions for each individual case have to be carefully considered. Therefore, the writer is exempt from any liability for damage to persons, objects or property resulting from the use of these tables. The writer reserves the right for additions and alterations for the purpose of optimizing. Suggestions and advice are welcome.

Zusammenfassung Der Ausbruch von Kronenteilen, Zwiesel und langen Ästen, stellt die häufigste Versagensart bei Stadtbäumen dar (WILDE, 1996). Hieraus können schwerwiegende Sach- und Torino, April 1st - 2 nd, 2004 83

Personenschäden resultieren. Aber auch die betroffenen Bäume werden durch einen Ausbruch häufig irreversibel geschädigt. Ursache für dieses Versagen sind üblicherweise eingeschlossene Rinde in Zwieseln sowie Fäule und Risse in Ästen. Als Alternative zur Kappung oder Fällung solcher als bruchgefährdet erkannter Bäume wurden Kronensicherungssysteme entwickelt. Eines der ersten dieser Kronensicherungssysteme war das „Doppelgurtsystem Osnabrück”, erdacht im Grünflächenamt der Stadt Osnabrück (SCHRÖDER 1990).

Many thanks to ELENA SCHMITZ & KARIM MC LEOD for translation and SVEN DÜYFFCKE & THOMAS MAAG for assistance!

References

BETHGE, K., MATTHECK, C. & SCHRÖDER, K. (1994): Dimensionierung von Kronensicherungen ohne Windlastabschätzung. Das Gartenamt 4/1994. Patzer Verlag, Berlin – Hannover. BRELOER, H. (1996): Verkehrssicherungspflicht für Bäume aus rechtlicher und fachlicher Sicht. Bernhard Thalacker Verlag, Braunschweig, 1996 FORSCHUNGSGESELLSCHAFT LANDSCHAFTSENTWICKLUNG LANDSCHAFTSBAU E. V., BONN: ZTV-Baumpflege, Zusätzliche Technische Vertragsbedingungen und Richtlinien für Baumpflege, Ausgabe 2001 LAVERS, G. (1983): The strength properties of timber. Building Research Establishment Report, 3. edition, HMSO, London. SCHRÖDER, K. (1990): Doppelgurt für Bäume. Deutscher Gartenbau 31/1990. Verlag Eugen Ulmer, Stuttgart. SCHRÖDER, K. (1993): The double Belt System For Tree Crown Stabilization. Arboricultural Journal, volume 17, Number 4, November 1993. SCHRÖDER, K. (2002): Zur Ruckdämpfung von Kronensicherungen. LA Landschaftsarchitektur, März 2002, Thalacker Medien, Braunschweig SCHRÖDER, K. (2002): Zur Kontrolle von Kronensicherungen. LA Landschaftsarchitektur Mai 2002, Thalacker Medien, Braunschweig SCHRÖDER, K. (2002): Die Auffangsicherung, integrales Element der Kronensicherung. GrünForum.LA, September 2002, Thalacker Medien, Braunschweig. SCHRÖDER, K. (2004): Zur Dimensionierung von Kronensicherungen. GrünForum.LA, Februar 2004, Thalacker Medien, Braunschweig. SINN, G. (1989): Ein neues Kronensicherungssystem zur Verkehrssicherheit von Bäumen. Neue Landschaft 84/1989, Patzer Verlag, Hannover, Berlin SPATZ, H.- C.(2003): Kronensicherung und Auffangsicherung. Ein Kommentar zur ZTV-Baumpflege 2001, Tabelle 1 des Anhangs. Stadt und Grün 67/2003. Patzer Verlag, Berlin- Hannover. STOBBE, H., DUJESIEFKEN, D. & SCHRÖDER, K. (2000): Tree Crown Stabilization with the Double-Belt System Osnabrück; Journal of Arboriculture, Vol. 26, No.5, Sept. 2000, pp. 270-274 TESARI, I., MUNZINGER, M & MATTHECK, C. (2003): Untersuchungen zu Kronensicherungssystemen. 9. VTA - Spezialseminar „Messen und Beurteilen am Baum” 1. – 2. April 2003, Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe. US FOREST P RODUCTS L ABORATORY (1987): Wood Handbook. Wood as an engeneering material. Agricultural Handbook 72. US Department of Agriculture. VETTER, H. & WESSOLLY, L. (1994): Ein neuartiges Seilsystem zur Sicherung von Baumkronen. Neue Landschaft 1/94. Patzer Verlag, Berlin – Hannover. WILDEM. (1996): Baumkontrollen im Rahmen der Verkehrssicherungspflicht als Aufgabe kommunaler Verwaltungen. Schriftenreihe des Fachbereichs Landschaftsarchitektur, Heft 13, Fachhochschule Osnabrück, 1996 84 International Congress on The Trees of History

COMPRESSED AIR DIGGING DEVICE AS A TOOL FOR THE INVESTIGATION OF ROOT SYSTEMS. A CASE HISTORY A. Pestalozza, G. Passola, F. Ferrari

1. Introduction When considering trees in built environments, as cities or roadways, the interactions among trees building and utilities are critical. Trees are strongly affected by development; construction influences the space available above and below ground as well the surrounding microclimate. In the other hand trees may also directly impact constructions an infrastructures built near them. Trees may develop against utility lines or against buildings or grow into sewers and other drainage pipes. Tree roots are often damaged during building maintenance operation or construction projects, particularly during trenches excavation for underground installation as pipelines, phone, electrical cables etc. Conventional soil scrapers are heavy machinery, such as excavators or backhoes, which heavily impacted the root systems during the soil removal and the trench creation. Soil excavation should be necessary during the above mentioned situations or in addition for tree root inspection as well as for soil decompactation. The root inspection performed by soil excavation is a very useful practice, basically for city trees, when it is necessary to evaluate Figure 1 Roots attacking a wall the root system conditions in order to have information about tree stability. As we know it is very difficult to assess root damages by means traditional VTA techniques even if supported by instrumental analysis.

2. How to inspect and manage root system Different alternative soil excavation methods exist that preserve tree roots. These methods include manual, hydraulic and pneumatic systems. The manual soil excavation system is performed by hand tools such as shovels, weeding hoe, small rakes and brushes, to remove soil from the root zone. The benefit of this method is that the tool cost is very low and the workers training too. In the other hand, from the financial point of view, the working time is maximize and from the qualitative point of view only the large roots are preserved while smaller diameter roots are often broken. The hydraulic soil excavation system has been recently refined (Gross, 1995) by using water to remove soil from the root surface. This technique is the most powerful and therefore the fastest of the alternative soil excavation methods. There are several drawbacks in that method as high water consumption, slurry production (to be drained) and fertile soil substitution. The pneumatic system produce a series of small explosions away from non porous objects, such as underground utilities or plant roots, the air flow impact is quite soft against these bodies because the excavated soil is transformed into scrapes or small fragments so this technique protects tree roots, including small diameter and fine roots. Additional benefits of the pneumatic soil excavation method is the unlimited air supply, relatively minimal clean up and reusability of the excavate. The pneumatic soil excavation system can also be used in combination along with conventional machinery. First the soil among the roots is excavated pneumatically then a conventional excavator can be used below the root level to increase the trench depth and the production rate, avoiding root Figure 2 - Two person crew do about 70 m2/day for about 0.2-0.25 m depht damages. Torino, April 1st - 2 nd, 2004 85

3. Case history 3.1 VTA in Caserta Botanical Garden: Un example of root inspection by AS system In April 2003 has been made a root inspection of a great Cupressus macrocarpa situated inside the Caserta Botanical Garden. This tree was affected by a large internal cavity in the stem, detected by Resistograph system, but no other defect was found. The inspection was made by Air-Spade tools, using a big compressor with 4500 l/h air flow and pressure about 7 bar. This tool was chosen in order to avoid damage at the root system, and for his easy use and efficacy. The various step of the intervention have been: - To cut very short the grass, in order to simplify the excavation. - Preparation of the yard. Is very important to bound the yard with special tissue, to avoid accidental damage to person or things, caused by chips or flying gravel. - Digging. Depending of the soil density, moisture and compactness, is possible to remove different quantity of material. The inspection of the Cupressus roots showed us something unexpected, in fact there was a large injury and cavity in the main and secondary roots. All the wounds was situated about 1,5 meter from the stem, and they was probably caused by a deep ploughing made during the park maintenance after a long time of disuse. The biggest hurt in the root showed in the picture has probably advanced in the wood till the stem, causing the big hollow detected before. Inspection allows us to understand the cause of the internal defect, and show how is dangerous to plough or excavate next the tree. Besides this work will help the tree in the future growing, because Figure 3 - Serious damages under the soil has been improved adding lapillus and a lot of soil level nutritive elements.

3.2 Yard operation around root system: how to dig, how to find, deviate and properly cut root branches The air excavation is a hand held tool that produces a “laser-like” jet of air moving at approximately 2000 km/h, i.e. twice the speed of sound. The tool consists of a manually operated, spring return, on / off valve, a rigid barrel, and a supersonic nozzle. It is to be connected to a standard industrial air compressor capable of producing the above stated flow at the above stated pressure. Air excavation system is really easy and efficacious digging system, and in order to operate is enough to follow some simple rules. Is basic to use the right compressor, in order to have the necessary powerful. For the standard nozzle, it is recommended that this tool would be used with a compressor rated at a minimum 4.6 m3/min, and 6.4 bar . If alternate nozzles are purchased, the compressor must be of sufficient pressure capacity, 6.4 bar, and have a flow at least equivalent to 110% of the nozzle’s m3/min rating. During the digging operation, the operator have always to wear appropriate protective work clothing and equipment. Cut and puncture resistant gloves, approved safely eye glasses with side shields and / or face protection, and approved hearing protective earplugs or earmuffs are recommended. In extremely dusty conditions, operator should wear approved respiratory protection. Figure 4 – Transplanting operation (G. Passola) For normal excavation, the best performance is achieved by holding the nozzle roughly perpendicular to the ground Depending on the soil type, the air-system is best moved along the surface to be excavated at a rate on the order of one to two foot per second (0.3 to 0.6 m/sec). Except in very hard and compacted clays, dwelling on the same spot tends to reduce the rate at which material is excavated and can increase the amount of material blown away from the excavation site. When boring a narrow hole in the soil, the tendency to expose the operator to material blown back directly out of the hole is increased. The air system for general excavation is supplied with an auxiliary dirt shield that serves to confine any excavated 86 International Congress on The Trees of History material that may become airborne from leaving the general area of the nozzle. If soil is encountered that is difficult to dig, try adding some water to soften. Repeat until the desired results are obtained. The air excavation is essential in every kind of work side by side the tree. Is particularly indicated in root collar excavation, radial trenching bare rooting, transplanting, and moving large tree, work root structure analysis, new construction and landscape architecture, installing irrigation lines and locating utilities. A correct digging permits to follow all the main root, and deviate it, in order to avoid all the possible cut. The root bending, have to be made for little angle, because the roots are not too flexible and risk to have internal crack. If the cuts are inevitable we can choose where and how to cut, reducing the impact in the big tree. During the root pruning is essential make little and careful cut, using un apposite saw. If the analysis, and the digging are made in a hot and sunny days, we have to cover all the roots using a wet jute o tissue, to preserve vitality condition.

3.3 Inspection and un-compaction Inspection activity, quite often has a good feedback for the tree Air excavation permits to have complete view over the roots system, showing all the hide defects. For this reason is considered a very good way to assess the root system conditions. Air digging has the double purpose to analyze roots and to improve the soil features. First of all, excavation reduce the soil compacting, and increase the underground oxygen next the roots. The soil could be improved too with the addition of nutritive elements, humus, micro elements, mycorrhiza, lapis, acc The choice of the elements depending of the health status of the tree, and the soil condition. Our experience show that trees enjoy the soil improvement, and the effect are manifested already the first year after application. Would be better to repeat the treatment the following years, in order to increase the success likelihood.

4. Conclusions 4.1 Air excavation and removal soil system is essential for the tree assessment requiring a root inspection

Air excavation, and every kind of removal soil system solve just the inspection problems. Is necessary in fact to have the necessary experience to evaluate the soil and the root conditions, in order to advance advice about tree and root stability. Right wood inspection device, as Resistograph or sonic instrument are always essential to evaluate wood condition and defect detection. But roots strength could be detected only with dynamic system, that check the tree behavior submitted to natural o artificial stress.

4.2 It gives a good contribute to clarify root geometry and conservation Air excavation as we have demonstrated permits to have a complete view of the roots geometry and conservation. The health wood condition and the smallest root twigs vigour could be checked. The complete or partial absence of root twigs indicate a poorness of nutritive elements or oxygen in the soil, that is possible to improve thanks good soil and nutritive elements add. The air excavation overwork the soil macro porosity, destroying all the compact earth. For that reason the roots and the pipes lacking of macro porosity are not destroyed.

4.3 It is very handily efficient and financially cheap Air excavation for its efficiency and easy use is considered really advantageous. This system need just un adequate compressor and the air tools indeed. No long experience or complex instrument are request. In other world doesn’t exist, at the moment, other way to excavate so cheap, complete and suitable for this work. Torino, April 1st - 2 nd, 2004 87

Bibliography The landscape below ground (D. Neely, G. Watson) Trees & building sites (D. Neely, G. Watson) Supersonic Air Jets Preserve Tree Roots in Underground Pipeline Installation (R. Gross, M. Julene) Vita da alberi a Milano (ACER 4/2001 A. Pestalozza; A. Pellegatta) Air Excavation to improve Tree Health (T. Smiley Tree care Industry) Posters 90 International Congress on the Trees of History Torino, April 1st - 2 nd, 2004 91

MONUMENT TREES AS WITNESSES OF LOCAL POTENTIAL VEGETATION AND LANDSCAPE EVOLUTION G. Barbera1, S. Pasta2 and T. La Mantia1 1 Dipartimento di Colture Arboree, Facoltà di Agraria - Palermo 2 Palermo

Introduction During the last years several researches have been carried out on the Italian monumental trees; more recently, more attention has been paid on Sicilian ones (Schicchi and Raimondo, 1999). Monument trees are getting more and more important for the key role they play as witnesses of both local natural history and human activity. Besides, through modern tools, such as Pressler increment borer, monument tress can be exploited also to obtain accurate data on climate and atmosphere evolution during the last centuries. The study case of the monument trees of the Favorita Park is here discussed. This Park, between Monte Pellegrino and the city of Palermo, is about 300 Ha wide and belongs to the “B” zone of Monte Pellegrino Nature Preserve, instituted by Sicilian Autonomous Regional Government in 1995. This Park gives hospitality to some scattered relics of semi-natural vegetation, while other surfaces are still occupied by .crops and formal gardens deriving from the first decades of the XIXth century.

Study area Some information on the environmental characteristics, the history and the land use evolution of the Favorita Park are useful for a better understanding of the value of the monumental trees which live in it. Palermo Plane is characterized by a typical Mediterranean climate and a very good soil quality; thus, no surprise that the area was known as “ü êÞðïò” (= the Garden) by Greeks (Rocci, 1980), was called “Geonard” (= the Paradise on Earth) by Arabs (Pirrone et al., 1990), and, since the XVIth century, was named “Conca d’Oro” (= the Golden Valley). The local original climax probably was a mixed forest dominated by the evergreen holm oak (Quercus ilex L.) and some deciduous thermophilous oaks such as Quercus virgiliana (Ten.) Ten. and Q. amplifolia Guss (Fig.1). Centuries of frequent and intense human impact (cutting, wildfires, grazing, cultivation and, more recently, pollution, urbanisation, afforestation and alien plants introduction) totally erased the primary vegetation in the whole territory. Favorita Park is someway an exception within this sad picture. The Park history is strictly linked to the Christmas day of 1798, when King Ferdinand IV of Bourbon escaped from Naples to Palermo. Already in the first months of the following year, through a royal edit, he bought the goods of many local noble families (Airoldi, Salerno, Pietratagliata, Niscemi, Vannucci, Malvagna, Lombardo, etc.). In a few months, the “Real tenuta della Favorita” was ready, so that the king could enjoy his favourite hobbies: hunting and agriculture. Little woods, dominated by plants typical to the Mediterranean evergreen maquis, were planted; they were interrupted by numerous hunting lanes, alle statues and doric columns: “A certe determinate distanze s’incontrano delle deliziose colline che incantano lo sguardo colle mirabili e variate scene della natura Si osserva in una di queste un ombroso e solitario boschetto, nel di cui centro sorge la statua di marmo bianco della cacciatrice Diana.” (Palermo, 1816). At the same time, some experimental fields were realized, such as orchards and vineyards, whose irrigation system are easy to recognize still nowadays: “Si sono da S.[ua] M.[aestà] tentate in questi terreni diverse speculazioni ed esperimenti al miglioramento dell’agricoltura, applicandovi le teorie dei moderni e più accreditati autori, i quali su queste agrarie materie hanno dottamente scritto e la vegetazione delle piante, delle frutta, e di altre produzioni, ne ha riportato un utile e felice successo.” (Palermo, 1816). Pasca (1868) writes that “dalla Real Favorita venne l’arancio-mandarino di cui la pianta madre primitiva esiste tuttora sin dal 1810, e oggi se ne fa commercio”. As well documented (La Mantia, in press), the local crops were the same of the Piana dei Colli (localized between the ancient city and the northern villages of Mondello and Sferracavallo). Olive groves were the most widespread culture, together with almond (Amygdalus communis), sumac (Rhus coriaria) and prickle pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) cultivations, while mulberries (Morus alba and M. nigra), carobs (Ceratonia siliqua), wallnuts (Juglans regia), figs (Ficus carica) Mediterranean hackberry (Celtis australis) and annual crops were rare. Between 1856 and 1922 the area experienced some relevant changes in land use patterns: Arundo donax, Rhus coriaria and Fraxinus ornus cultivation and of most part of the annual crops, once characterising the local agricultural landscape, totally disappeared, while a powerful spreading of Citrus orchards (from 12 to 31 Ha), led in the following years to a local triumph of citrus cultivation (Fig.2). 92 International Congress on the Trees of History

Investigation methodology Our field survey, carried out within the Favorita Park, aimed to individuate the most noteworthy trees. This census was achieved by using a schedule already available in literature but modified. These schedules (see annexes 1-2) contain the following data: Identity (binomial classification, family and vernacular name); Localization (municipality, name of the locality, way of access); Ownership (public or private); Environmental characteristics of the stand (altitude, exposition, inclination and substrate); Major morphological (general description, maximum circumference at 1,30 m, overall plant height, crown width, estimated age) and biological characteristics (vegetative and phytosanitary state); Threats; Proposed interventions. A particular attention was payed to verify both the vegetative and phytosanitary state and the proposed interventions. In case of lack of dendrochronological relieves, the age of the plants has been estimated.

Results Notwithstanding the lack of a standard definition of what “monument trees” actually are, there is no doubt that within the Favorita Park grow several noteworthy plants.Most of them derive from the XVIII century shaping and designing of the park itself, while only in some cases they seem to be native plants survived to man impact and, thus, they are localized in the most undisturbed areas. During this preliminary field survey 29 monument trees have been encountered: 13 Quercus, 6 Cupressus, 3 Pinus, 2 Schinus, 2 Celtis, 1 Olea, 1 Ceratonia, 1 Morus. These trees grow within the wood, hedges, or as relics within the cultivated areas. Monument trees play a major role in defining the local potential vegetation. For example, the huge individual of Quercus virgiliana was probably already there before Bourbons’ interventions, as its estimated age is of about 300 years. Up to the middle of the XXth century, another large white oak grew not far from this one, and its acorns were toasted by local farmers to make a surrogate of coffee. The presence of this white oak confirms the current hypotheses on the potential vegetation of the Park and of the whole Conca d’Oro (Brullo & Marcenò, 1985; AA.VV., 1996; Gianguzzi et al., 1996). Besides, this plant probably is the last - and the only - native deciduous oak detected in the whole Conca d’Oro since when Gussone (1842- 1845), more than 150 years ago, noticed Q. virgiliana elsewhere in the Plane, near “Roccazzo”. Still nowadays Favorita Park maintains many evidences of the transformations it underwent due to the intervention planned by King Ferdinand IV: on Monte Pellegrino foots still survive the last examples of dry orchards, with olive and almond groves. Within these orchards, it is still possible to find some very old olive trees (Olea europaea), carobs (Ceratonia siliqua) and white mulberries (Morus alba). Most part of the censed monument trees (12 holm oaks, 6 cypresses, 3 stone pine, 3 Peruvian peppertree and 2 Mediterranean hackberry) grow within the little Quercus ilex-dominated woods realized by Bourbons or along the hedges (Fig.3). The artificial origin of the little holm-oak woods is revealed by the geometric patterns of their design and shape; nevertheless, in those scattered areas of artificial forest, which could be classified as old coppices, it is still possible to “glimpse” the primary vegetation of the Park and, more generally, that of the whole Conca d’Oro. In particular, the biggest holm oak trees give an image of high wilderness.

Conclusions Favorita Park’s monumental trees shall be considered as witnesses of all the different land use typologies once present in the area and allow us to make some hypotheses on the local potential vegetation and on the landscape evolution as well. This census shall be considered as a starting point for a more accurate investigation on the tree heritage of the Favorita Park. The active safeguard of these plants (e.g. through germplasm gathering, conservation and diffusion) is very important; besides, many of these plants need a periodic monitoring and some dendrochirurgical cares, as they are weakened due to their age .Future investigations should offer further surprises. For example, the huge Quercus virgiliana (Ten.) Ten. was never noticed before, although if careful investigations have been recently carried out on the flora (Raimondo, 1992), the vegetation (Gianguzzi et al., 1996) and the land use of the Favorita Park (La Mantia, in press).Another point to clarify is what monument trees really rare: this concept seems particularly ambiguous if we consider the fruit orchards. Some mandarin, for example, deriving from the orchard realized at the beginning of XXth century shall be considered as monuments, indeed, as they were explanted from Citrus orchards of Palermo city when they were already adults, between 1950 and 1965. Finally, Favorita Park gives hospitality to several fruit trees, such as a very old apple tree (similar to “limoncella”, a very rare local cultivar). Thus, the project to transform the actual Torino, April 1st - 2 nd, 2004 93 agricultural landscape of the Favorita Park to restore the XVIII century design worths a careful re-consideration.

References AA.VV., 1996 - Carta della vegetazione potenziale, f.-t.- In: Regione Siciliana, Assessorato Beni Culturali e Ambientali e Pubblica Istruzione (a cura di), “Linee-Guida del Piano Territoriale Paesistico Regionale”. Brullo S., Marcenò C., 1985 - Contributo alla conoscenza della classe Quercetea ilicis in Sicilia.- Not. Fitosoc., 19 (1) [1984]: 183-229. Gianguzzi L., Ilardi V., Raimondo F.M., 1996 - La vegetazione del promontorio di Monte Pellegrino (Palermo).- Quad. Bot. ambientale appl., 4 [1993]: 79-137. Gussone G., 1842-1845 - Florae Siculae Synopsis exhibens plantas vasculares in Sicilia insulisque adjacentibus hucusque detectas secundum systema Linnaeanum dispositas. Neapoli, Typ. Tramater, 3 voll. La Mantia T., In press – Ecologia e agricoltura nel parco della Favorita. Comune di Palermo Palermo G., 1816 - Guida Istruttiva - giro della mura, delle porte e delle loro adiacenze- Palermo. Pirrone G., Buffa M., Mauro E., Sessa E., 1990 - Palermo, detto Paradiso di Sicilia (Ville e Giardini, XII-XX secolo).- Centro Studi di Storia e Arte dei Giardini, Palermo, 285 + i pp. Rackham O., 1992 - Trees and woodland in the history and archaeology of the landscape: 249- 263. In: Bernardi M. (Ed.), “Archeologia del paesaggio”, IV Ciclo di lezioni sulla ricerca applicata in Archeologia (Certosa di Pontignano, Siena, 14-26 gennaio 1991), C.N.R. - Univ. Siena. Ed. All’insegna del Giglio, Firenze. Raimondo F.M. (ed.), 1992 - Studio e catalogazione della flora, della vegetazione e delle emergenze botaniche ed ambientali del Monte Pellegrino (Palermo).- Comune di Palermo, Palermo, Assessorato Parchi, Verde ed Arredo Urbano, 222 pp. + carta (scala 1:8.000). Rocci L., 1980 - Vocabolario Greco-Italiano. Soc. Ed. Dante Alighieri, Firenze. Schicchi R., Raimondo F.M., 1999 - Contributo alla conoscenza degli alberi monumentali delle Madonie (Sicilia centro-settentrionale).- Naturalista sicil., s. IV, XXIII (1-2): 229-314.

Tabb. 1-2 – Schedules examples (Fig.3) 94 International Congress on the Trees of History

Fig.1 – The monumental Quercus virgiliana living at “Parco della Favorita” Torino, April 1st - 2 nd, 2004 95

Fig.2 – The last examples of dry orchard in Conca d’Oro are found at “Parco della Favorita”. Monumental olive trees still live in the area (right plate); in many cases some individuals pre-existing to citrus orchard plantation survive (left plate)

Fig.3 – Hercules column surronded by monumental cypresses in 1930’ and present-day pictures 96 International Congress on the Trees of History

MOLECULAR TOOLS FOR IDENTIFICATION OF DECAY FUNGI DIRECTLY FROM WOOD **S. Bergemann, *C. Billi, **M. Garbelotto, *P. Gonthier, *F. Guglielmo, *G. Nicolotti, **J. Tse * DI.VA.P.R.A. Plant Pathology – University of Torino, Grugliasco (TO), Italy ** Dept. ESPM - University of California at Berkeley – California , USA

Summary A PCR-based technique for the identification directly from wood of some of the most important decay fungi of standing trees is developed in this study. Taxon-specific Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) primers were designed in the 25S region of the ribosomal DNA for several taxa of Basidiomycetes belonging to the following genera: Armillaria, Ganoderma, Hericium, Inonotus, Laetiporus, Omphalotus, Phellinus, Pleurotus, and Stereum. When tested on colonized wood blocks primers selectively amplified the target species. No cross-reaction occurred against DNA of closely related genus or species. This procedure serves to be a promising tool for the rapid diagnosis and identification of decay fungi.

Introduction Wood decay of trees represents a distinct problem not only for horticulturists and arborists, but also for veteran tree managers. Problems related to decay in trees range from unappealing aesthetics to hazardous situations. While only a few decay fungi are directly responsible for tree mortality, the loss of mechanical strength caused by these organisms is inherently linked to tree windthrows or limb failures. The detection of hazardous trees is currently based on Visual Tree Assessment (VTA) (Mattheck and Breloer, 1994), or on related approaches such as Static Integrated Assessment (SIA) and Static Integrated Methods (SIM) (Wessolly, 1995). The basis of VTA is a visual scoring of obvious symptoms (e.g. emerging wood decay, branch flagging, reduced vigor, etc.) and signs (e.g. ring bulge, cracks, ribs, etc.) known to be connected to significant decay within the tree. In order for signs and symptoms of decay to be visible, the decay process must be in a relatively advanced stage. Although good training and VTA standardization efforts have partially overcome the problems due to the subjectivity of the observer, VTA still allows for a large error in the evaluation process. Various and different technologies have been developed to assess extent of decay within a tree both in invasive (e.g. resistograph, portable drill), and in non-invasive ways (Nicolotti et al., 2003). Some of them (e.g. resistograph) are already included in VTA protocols to analyze suspected trees. These approaches are constantly being improved, but they are in general unable to effectively identify the decay agent in its first stages. This drawback, while significant for all types of decay, becomes more problematic when the decay agent may be extremely active and decay may progress extremely rapidly from an undetectable stage to an hazard stage. Alternatively, this limitation may become serious for types of white rot decay in which loss of mechanical strength is progressive but extended over relatively long periods of time. In the case of monumental trees, veteran trees, or trees with “historical” importance, this drawback prevents a timely employment of treatments such as extensive pruning, harnessing, or filling and sealing of the decay cavity. Fruit bodies differentiation frequently occurs late, when decay is already at an advanced stage, or often it does not occur at all. That represents a serious problem because, unless fruiting bodies are visible, it is extremely difficult to diagnose the fungal species responsible for the decay. Knowledge of the organism(s) involved is pivotal in understanding how fast the decay process is going to develop, which part of the trees are likely to be involved, and what is the potential of spread from one tree to neighboring trees. These information may be of help for prognosis. Diagnostic methods based upon the detection and the analyses of fungal DNAs, particularly by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) have been successfully employed in several fields of plant pathology. However, methods allowing for the distinction of the most important decay fungi directly from wood are not available yet. The success of these methods is largely dependent on whether sufficient pure fungal DNA is extracted from wood or not (Jasalavich et al., 2000; Gonthier et al., 2003; Sicoli et al., 2003). Several technical problems connected with the complex chemistry of the wood may affect DNA extraction. The goals of the present study were: i) to develop and test a protocol allowing for successful fungal DNA extraction and PCR amplification from wood, and ii) to design and test molecular markers to distinguish some of the most dangerous and widespread decay agents. Torino, April 1st - 2 nd, 2004 97

Material and Methods Samples used for fungal DNA extraction from wood Attempts of fungal DNA extraction were carried out on thirty Quercus agrifolia and Q. kellogii wood samples putatively colonized by fungi. Samples, of about 6x4x2 cm, originated from different locations in California (USA). To test the extraction of fungal DNA also from coniferous wood, 10 putatively colonized Pinus cembra samples, originated from Aosta Valley (Italy), were included in the experiment. Wood samples were stored at –80°C.

DNA extraction from wood for fungal Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) amplification Slivers, of about 1x1x2 mm, obtained from the wood samples were lyophilized for 36 hours in 2 ml Eppendorf tubes. Three sterile glass beads were added to each tube. The tubes were precooled in liquid nitrogen and then the material was pulverized in an amalgamator at 6.5 m/sec for 25 sec. The frozen powder was immediately transferred at – 80°C before DNA extraction. The fungal DNA was extracted directly from pulverized wood using the QIAamp DNA Stool Mini KitTM(Qiagen) according to the manufacturer’s instructions. A 1:100 dilution of extracted DNA in PCR water was used for amplifications. The success of fungal DNA extraction from wood was verified using ITS primers specifically designed for fungi, named ITS-1F (5'-CTTGGTCATTTAGAGGAAGTAA-3') and ITS-4 (5'- TCCTCCGCTTATTGCTATGC-3'). Amplifications were carried in 25 ìl volume containing 50mM MgCl2 (Invitrogen), 10X PCR buffer (Invitrogen), 20mM dNTPs (Invitrogen), 5U/ µl Platinum® Taq DNA Polymerase (Invitrogen). Reactions were conducted in a Thermal cycler programmed for an initial 2 min. denaturation at 94°C followed by 32 cycles of denaturation (1 min. at 94°C), annealing (1 min. at 55°C), and extension (1 min. at 72°C). A final extension of 10 min. at 72°C followed the 32 cycles. Amplification products were analyzed by electrophoresis on agarose gel (1.5%) in 0.5X TBE (Tris-Borate-EDTA) for 1 h and 20 min. at 70 volts. Products were stained in ethidium bromide and visualized under ultraviolet lamp.

Isolates and DNA sequences used for taxon-specific primer design Isolates belonging to 36 species included in 9 genera of wood decay basidiomycetes were used to develop taxon-specific primers. Isolates belonged to Armillaria, Ganoderma, Hericium, Inonotus, Laetiporus, Omphalotus, Phellinus, Pleurotus, and Stereum. The identification of fungi was performed on the basis of the macroscopic and microscopic features of their fruiting bodies, and pure cultures were obtained from the context of basidiocarps. In addition to the isolates, all the sequences published on National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) Genbank and referring to each taxon of interest were also used for taxon-specific primer design. The number of isolates for each species and the closely related species used as outgroups are shown in Table 1.

Table 1. – Number of isolates for each species and corresponding outgroup taxa used for taxon-specific primer design 98 International Congress on the Trees of History

Design of taxon-specific primers The 25S region of the nuclear Large subunit RNA (nLSU) was selected for the purpose of designing generic-specific primers, and species-specific primers for Phellinus gilvus. Species- specific primers were developed for Inonotus andersonii and I. dryadeus both on 25 S and ITS. Few hyphaes from aerial mycelium were collected by pipette tips from three day-old pure cultures grown on Malt Extract Agar (MEA; 20 g agar, 20 g glucose, 20 g malt extract, 2 g peptone, 1 l deionized water), and placed into 100µl of sterile water in Eppendorf tubes. The tubes were freezed on dry ice and then thawed quickly by placing them at 75°C in a dry heat block. After thawing, the tubes were vortexed for 1 min. and spinned in a micro centrifuge at top speed for 5 sec. Cycles of freezing and thawing were repeated for three times. The tubes were then placed in a 75°C dry heat block for 15 min., and finally spinned for 5 min. at maximum speed. Direct PCR was performed on the hyphal suspension without any dilutions. Fungal DNA was also extracted from the entire culture using CTAB and phenol/ chloroform protocol, as described by Gardes and Bruns (1993). A 1:1000 dilution of extracted DNA in PCR water was used for amplifications. The 25S region of the nuclear ribosomal DNA was amplified using the universal primers CTB6 (5’-GCATATCAATAAGCGGAGG-3’) and TW13 (5’-GGTCCGTGTTTCAAGACG-3’). PCR-amplified products were electrophoresed on a 1.5% agarose gel as described above. Amplicons were sequenced using an ABI 3100 (Applied Biosystems, California) automatic sequencer. Sequences assembly and manual refinement of alignments were carried out using the Sequencer 4.1 program. The sequences from each taxon were aligned with sequences of closely related groups (outgroups) in order to ensure the specificity for the target organism. A highly conserved sequence in the 25S DNAwas used to design a forward (5’→3’) primer, that we named 25S-F. Taxon-specific primers were designed as reverse (3’→5’). The same approach was used to design species-specific primers for Phellinus and Inonotus. The amplification of ITS was performed using the primer combination ITS-1F and ITS-4. The PCR conditions were as described above, except for the annealing temperature of the reaction that was lowered to 53°C. The ITS3 primer (5’-GCATCGATGAAGAACGCAGC-3’) was selected as forward primer. Primer design was performed with PRIMER 3 software in order to maximize its efficiency.

Taxon-specific primer testing The specificity of primer pairs was tested on DNA extracted from pure fungal cultures. Primers were finally tested on fungal DNA extracted from 60 wood samples (1x1x2 mm) of Quercus agrifolia and Q. kellogii colonized by known wood decay agents. Fungal DNA was extracted directly from wood as described above. PCR conditions were separately optimized for each primer combination. Amplified DNA was visualized and its size determined by standard DNA electrophoresis on agarose gel. In order to confirm the specificity of the primers a subsample of 25% of PCR products were also sequenced. The ABI 3100 genetic analyzer was used for an accurate fragment size analysis to verify the specificity (GeneScan technique) of primers (not shown).

Results The DNA extraction using the QIAamp DNA Stool Mini KitTM allowed the amplification of putative fungal DNA from all samples included in the experiment. The ITS amplified region of unknown fungi resulted in PCR products of various length (from 750 bp to 800 bp, approximately) (Fig.1). The CTAB phenol/chloroform extraction generated good amplifications from pure cultures.

Fig. 1 – ITS amplification of fungal DNA extracted from 10 wood samples. ITS was amplified with the primer combination ITS 4-ITS 1F Torino, April 1st - 2 nd, 2004 99

Sequence alignment showed a region in common for all taxa within the 25S. Such DNA region is about 30 bp long, and its location within the nLSU is shown in Fig 2.

Fig 2 – The black box indicates the region (about 30 bp long) in common for all taxa within the Ctb6-Tw13 region of the nLSU. This 30 nucleotide (nt) sequence was used to design the the 25S-F primer

The 25S-F primer is 18 nt long. The sizes of taxon specific amplicons generated through PCR are listed in Table 2.

Table 2 –Length of the amplicons (base pairs) originated through PCR in the nLSU and ITS

All taxon specific primers designed on nLSU allowed selective amplification of pure cultures with no cross-reactivity with other taxa (Fig. 3)

Fig 3. – Amplification product obtained with the taxon-specif primers 25S-F and Phellinus gilvus reverse: lanes 1 to 14

Species-specific primers designed in the ITS region showed cross-reactivity with other species while tested on pure cultures (Fig. 4). This was particularly true for Inonotus andersonii and I. dryadeus with Ganoderma, Stereum, and several Phellinus species. 100 International Congress on the Trees of History

Fig 4 – Amplification product obtained with the specific primer set ITS 3 (forward) and Inonotus dryadeus reverse on pure cultures of different species. The bands show unspecific amplification. I. dryadeus reverse primers cross-reacted with: Ganoderma (lane 1), Stereum (lane 2) and several Phellinus species (lanes 3 to 5). Lane 6 shows the amplification of Inonotus dryadeus DNA

While tested on the 60 wood block samples, taxon specific primers allowed the detection of 47 fungi. Taxon specific primers allowed the amplification of expected fungal taxa in the 77% of cases (Table 3). In 5 samples (8%), expected fungi were not detected with taxon specific primers. In 9 wood samples (15%), more taxa than the only one species expected were detected. Phellinus was the most frequently observed genera.

Table 3. – Extract from observed versus expected taxa in primer testing on 60 wood samples

The basidiomycetes considered in this study are responsible for most of tree failures reported in the temperate areas of the world. Although some of the above listed genera include more than one species, the biology of congeneric species is quite similar, and differences are often in host specificity. The QIAamp DNA Stool Mini KitTM is a method that simplifies isolation of DNA from stool with a fast spin-column procedure, no phenol and chloroform are required. This procedure allows for the amplification both from Quercus and from Pinus. These two hosts are known to be reach in polysaccharides, proteins and phenols, inhibitors of the PCR reaction (Khanuja et al.1999). Furthermore field samples may often contain contaminants, or compounds causing DNA degradation. The kit offers a fast and easy purification of the total DNA recovered from field samples, even from recalcitrant wood. Specific reverse primers for genera and for species were successfully developed in the 25S region of the ribosomal DNA for Armillaria, Ganoderma, Hericium, Laetiporus, Omphalotus, Torino, April 1st - 2 nd, 2004 101

Pleurotus, Stereum, Phellius gilvus, Inonotus andersonii, Inonotus dryadeus. Use of nuclear ribosomal regions is recommended as they are present in many copies within the genome, and allow for detection of a minute amounts of the target DNA. This is a region that is frequently conserved within genera and variable between genera. Species specific primers designed in the ITS showed cross-reactivity while used on pure cultures and did not work when tested on wood samples. The ITS generally shows an high level of both interspecific and intraspecific polymorphism (Wagner and Fischer, 2002), and it does not appear suitable the goals of this research. The results reported here indicate that it is possible to identify the pathogens directly from wood without the step of culturing the fungus. Fruiting bodies of the fungus can provide material for its identification; however they are very ephemeral and do not necessarily occur at the first stage of the wood colonization. Other molecular techniques for the detection of targeted organisms, as RFLP, need longer procedure, restriction profiles are often difficult to read and they do not allow for a secure identifications (Fischer, 1996; Jasalavich et al., 2000). We developed a rapid, reliable and sensitive method to detect specific fungi in the wood. One of the main advantages of this approach is that the diagnostic approach can be highly specific, meaning that it can be designed to target all known organisms deemed responsible for important decay effects on trees of relevance to the urban landscape and to ornamental arboriculture. Although at present the identification of fungi with the technique described in this paper still requires 2 days, the optimization of reactions with multiplex PCR approaches will allow faster detections, providing a reliable tool for routine inspections of suspected trees.

References Fischer M., 1996. Molecular and microscopical studies in the Phellinus pini group. Mycologia 88, 230-238. Gardes M., Bruns T.D. 1993. ITS primers with enhanced specificity for basidiomycetes - application to the identification of mycorrhizae and rusts. Molecular Ecology 2, 113–118. Gonthier P., Garbelotto M., Nicolotti G. 2003. Swiss stone pine trees and spruce stumps represent an important habitat for Heterobasidion spp. in subalpine forests. Forest Pathology 33, 191-203. Jasalavich C.A., Ostrofsky A., Jellison J, 2000. Detection and identification of decay fungi in spruce wood by restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of amplified genes encoding rRNA. Applied and Environmental Microbiology 66:4725-4734. Khanuja S. P. S., Shasany A. K., Darokar M. P., Kumar S.1999 Rapid Isolation of DNA from Dry and Fresh Samples of Plants Producing Large Amounts of Secondary Metabolites and Essential Oils. Plant Molecular Biology Reporter 17, 1-7. Mattheck C., Breloer H., 1994. Field guide to VTA (Visual Tree Assessment). Arboricultural Journal 18, 1-23. Nicolotti G., Socco L.V., Martinis R., Godio A., Sambuelli L., 2003. Application and comparison of three tomographic techniques for detection of decay in trees. Journal of Arboriculture 29, 66-78. Ouis D 1999 Wood Science and Techology. 33 151-184. Vibrational and Acoustical Experiments on Logs of Spruce. Sicoli G., Fatheti J., Stenlid J. 2003. Development of species-specific PCR primers on rDNA for the identification of European Armillaria species. Forest Pathology 33, 287-297. Wagner T, Fischer M. 2002. Proceedings towards a natural classification of the worldwide taxa Phellinus s.l. and Inonotus s.l., and phylogenetic relationships of allied genera. Mycologia 94, 998- 1016. Wessolly L., 1995. The practitioner’s method of diagnosis. Stadt und Gruen 8, 570-573. 102 International Congress on the Trees of History

THE HISTORIC CYPRESSES OF BOLGHERI: RESTORATION AND ENHANCEMENT OF A HERITAGE OF EUROPE R. Danti1, P. Raddi1, A. Panconesi1, R. Serra2, M. Tognotti2 1CNR, Istituto per la Protezione delle Piante, Area della Ricerca, Sesto Fiorentino - Italy 2Provincial Administration of Livorno - Italy

The symbolic role of cypress at Bolgheri and in Tuscany The five kilometre Viale di Bolgheri runs across the coastal plain straight from the SS1 “Aurelia”, which it crosses at the village of San Guido, and leads up to the ancient village situated on the lower slopes of the hills overlooking the sea (Fig. 1). The two straight rows of cypresses of the Viale form a harmonious composition and an architectural planting which forms a vista with tree-like wings set, as it were, between two stages: the hillside village of Bolgheri and the land stretching towards the sea. The avenue is set in an area where the beauty of the surrounding countryside has remained largely unspoilt by indiscriminate urban and tourist development and where agricultural management enhances it further (Bezzini 1990). The cypress- lined road rises from the plain forming a spectacular, stately geometric line intersecting the flat land and the undulating hills. Visitors travelling along it are struck by the perspective before them and by the charming, enchanting atmosphere (Fig. 2). The poems that Carducci wrote about his childhood haunts in the Maremma, including the famous “Davanti San Guido” dedicated to this very cypress avenue, have helped to create the myth and fame that still surrounds Bolgheri and its Viale today. Overall, the Viale forms a landscape design which, placed harmoniously in the hilly countryside of Bolgheri, has acquired considerable cultural and environmental value. The Ministerial Order Fig. 1 – Panoramic view of of 21 August 1995 declared the Viale di Bolgheri to be part of the the village of Bolgheri and artistic and cultural heritage and, as such, subject to protection the Viale which runs across the coastal plain straight as provided for by Law nr. 1089 concerning the architectural heritage. The Viale represents one of the best known and, probably, the most famous examples of the symbolic, expressive role of cypress in Tuscany. In this region, cypress is no longer bound to the role of a funerary plant that was always ascribed to this tree in popular tradition, and instead takes on an auspicious, positive function. The cypress thus appears to be an intrinsic element of the Tuscan landscape, the result of a such a sensitive mixture of respect for the environment and the work and traditions of man as to be regarded as a quintessential symbol of the cultural identity of Tuscany. At Bolgheri the ornamental, cultural and historical value linked to this plant blend to create one of the most typical and charming effects. The common cypress (Cupressus sempervirens L.), that grows wild in Asia Minor and in the Eastern Mediterranean (Gellini and Grossoni, 1979), was brought to Italy by the Etruscans and the Romans, the latter using it mainly as a ornamental tree, for plantings around villas, monuments and sacred places. During the Renaissance the cypress enjoyed a revival in Tuscany when it began to be used once more to decorate the homes of the aristocracy, but also on account of its valuable timber and for use in agricultural work, so that over time it Fig. 2 - A perspective view of the Viale became a plant associated with rural life and labour. Planted singly or in small stands, near villas, churches, inns or crossroads, the cypress was used as a landmark by wayfarers and its timber was used to make shutters and frames, doors and furniture (Giannelli 2002). The outlines of this conifer are such a well-known sight today throughout Tuscany, from coastal areas to inland hillsides, that it is an essential, familiar element of a landscape that has now become famous all over the world. Torino, April 1st - 2 nd, 2004 103

The difficulty in the control of cypress canker disease Since ancient times, the common cypress has been considered a healthy, strong and disease resistant tree. Since the 1950’s, however, it has been facing a serious health problem: the Seiridium cardinale canker (Panconesi and Raddi, 1991). The gradual deterioration of an extremely important landscape and forest feature prompted investigation of a range of direct and indirect methods to control the spread of the disease and put a stop to this deplorable stream of losses (Fig. 3). So far the instruments that have proved most effective in controlling the disease have been sanitation (in terms of elimination of infected trees or portions of trees), to protect affected stands and ornamental plantations (Parrini 2003; Panconesi and Danti, 2003), chemical prevention in the nursery (Panconesi and Parrini, 1979) and genetic improvement of cypress as a deterrent for the spread of the canker and to restore affected formations (Raddi and Panconesi, 1998). The relevant Regional, Provincial and Local Councils have always been sensitive to the problem and have supported projects for the control of the disease. At EU level as well the cypress problem has been given attention since the seventies through the financing of four international research programmes that have Fig. 3 – A cypress of the led to important results of practical value, such as the selection of Viale severely attacked by S. cardinale a set of canker resistant cypress clones. Today, however, 50 years on from its first recording, as a result of the endemic nature assumed by the disease and the impossibility of dealing with the entire region in a brief space of time, S. cardinale canker continues to severely affect cypress, to the extent that, according to recent surveys, areas where the total of infected plants is nearly 50% are still common. Because of the symbolic value of this tree in Tuscany and central Italy, cypresses damaged by canker give tourists the impression that the area is carelessness and neglected.

The Protocol of Agreement for the conservation and restoration of theViale di Bolgheri The first serious symptoms of bark canker in the trees in the Viale occurred between the 1960s and 1970s, when bark canker reached epidemic level in many areas of Tuscany (Parrini, 1991). The planting of the trees in rows and mild, damp climatic conditions typical of the coastal area encouraged the development and reproduction of S. cardinale, favouring its spread throughout plantations. Consequently the Bolgheri cypresses have repeatedly suffered from various outbreaks of the disease, with severe damage and many losses being recorded over the years. For years they have been the subject of attention by the Regional Council, the Livorno Council, the Forestry Commission of and scientific institutions, alerted by the continual, inexorable, rapid deterioration affecting this monument. Interventions to protect the Bolgheri cypresses, started in 1979 and repeated during the 1980s and 1990s, have unfortunately been isolated and sporadic and, for this reason, have not controlled the disease effectively. Plant health surveys carried out in 1995 and 1999 continued to highlight the recurrence of serious attacks, both on trees that had previously been cured and on trees that had previously been free from the disease. While in 1995 surveys showed the need to fell 42 cypresses and to sanitise 400, in 1999, four years after the performed sanitation, it was once again necessary to fell 94 plants and treat 421. Towards the end of 1999 the continuous, unstoppable occurrence of damage and losses of the Bolgheri cypresses united governments and authorities responsible for the protection of the Viale in the need to carry out an urgent, organic, synergic programme of work to save the monument from deterioration and to go ahead with its improvement. Therefore the Provincial Council of Livorno, the Regional Council of Tuscany, the Local Council of Castagneto Carducci, the Superintendency of the Historical, Artistic, Architectural and Environmental Heritage of Pisa, ARSIA1, ARPAT2, ISZA3, the private owners of the historic cypresses and the CNR – IPAF4 signed an agreement in December ’99 for the creation of a 10-year project for the restoration and enhancement of the historic avenue. The ten-year programme was co-ordinated by the Provincial Council in a series of important, inter-related activities. Investigations based on tree health status and topographical surveys were followed by work aimed at treatment, restoration and maintenance, together with research work for the selection of canker resistant genotypes among the trees in the historic avenue. 104 International Congress on the Trees of History

Major programme operations and current status of the activities Planning and Intervention Two sanitation programmes, drawn up by the Provincial Administration and by the CNR, approved by the Superintendency, were completed in 2000 and 2002 respectively, with the aim of gradually reducing the incidence of cypress canker disease in the two rows along the Viale and in immediately surrounding areas. The drafting of the projects required the implementation of health surveys reporting on fungal and insect attacks, the recording of data in a specially created database, the preparation of descriptive printout and photographic testimony. Landscape experts were entrusted with a design study aimed at controlling and enhancing the presence of the undergrowth located intermittently along the two rows of the avenue, mainly consisting of shrubs typical of the Mediterranean area. Special attention was paid to Cercis siliquastrum, which is a spring flowering species that creates a wonderful colour contrast against the dark green of the cypresses.

Training Before sanitation works started, theoretical and practical courses were organised to train the workforce, aimed at increasing knowledge of the most important cypress diseases and their respective methods of control. Special attention was given to symptomatology, identification and spread of S. cardinale canker as well as methods of control the disease on infected plants, illustrating the basic criteria for correct implementation cuttings. Technicians from the Livorno Provincial Council, ARPAT and the Comunità Montane took part, together with operators from firms specialised in urban landscaping.

Restoration In the spring of 2002, 102 7-9 metre tall specimens of C. sempervirens var. pyramidalis were planted to replace previously felled trees. The planted trees, divided into 60 different canker resistant genotypes, were taken directly from CNR research fields (Fig. 4).

Maintenance Tests were carried out periodically throughout the year by the IPP-CNR and ISZA to assess the presence of problems due to fungal and insect attacks. In addition to S. cardinale infections, populations of Cinara cupressi aphids and Scolytids of the genus Phloeosinus require constant monitoring (Panconesi et al., 2003). In favourable years the former can cause extensive desiccation Fig. 4 - Specimens of cypress of the cypress crowns. Prompt treatments were carried out on clones selected for resistance to S. cardinale infections, some stretches of the avenue planting to prevent serious aphid which were planted along the infestations. The latter, by feeding on the shoots, may transmit Viale to replace previously infections of S. cardinale from diseased trees to healthy ones. felled trees Research (genetic improvement) Work aimed at selecting resistant genotypes of the cypresses in the historic avenue took place in stages. To date, 250 particularly vigorous and aesthetically valuable subjects have been propagated by grafting. The young saplings obtained from subjects propagated in 2000 and 2001 have already been planted in research fields where their ability to resist S. cardinale will be tested, and in a conservation field near the Viale. The plot of land for conservation is near San Guido and has been granted to the Provincial Council of Livorno under a free contract for twenty years by the owner, Marchese Nicolò Incisa della Rocchetta. The land has been suitably fenced off; planting, cultivation of the soil, weed-control and regular maintenance work are carried out by Livorno Provincial Council employees.

Computerization Zerobyte Sistemi is a firm in Florence which, under contract to, and in collaboration with the Local Council, IPP-CNR and ISZA, have set up a specially designed computer system to create a historical archive and to plan the work on the trees in the avenue. The system is based on the use of transponders (microchips) that issue a signal in code form so that once the sensor is inserted in the trees, it allows them to be immediately identified. Using specially designed software, it is possible to view and update reports and therefore organise a Torino, April 1st - 2 nd, 2004 105 database where the history of each tree is registered. The software has also been designed to assist the planning of work performed on the plants and to manage the accountancy aspects.

The European importance of the Bolgheri Avenue: the Interreg III B Medocc “Cypmed” project The ‘Cypmed’5 project, officially approved by Feder and by the Ministry for Transport and Infrastructures on 1.1.2002, aims to demonstrate the utility of the cypress as a multi- purpose plant for the improvement of the environment and the Mediterranean landscape, in the light of results obtained with genetic improvement during previous Community research programmes on cypress (Agrimed 1, Agrimed 2, Camar, Air). Thirteen Italian, French, Portuguese and Greek operative units are taking part in the project, which is headed by IPP – CNR. They are deeply involved in the ecological, economic and decorative-historical role of the cypress. As a result of a shrewd conservation policy put into operation by the Livorno District Council for the Viale di Bolgheri cypresses, an inter-disciplinary work group has been formed and asked to take part in the Cypmed project as a unique example of cooperation between public authorities and research institutions in a ten-year work project. The combined efforts of the CypMed members ensure both a range of urgent, correct interventions and European-level visibility of the problem “Ornamental Cypress – canker caused by Seiridium cardinale”. In addition, it promotes training of technical staff and the wide-scale dissemination of methods used for sanitation and recovery of cypress trees. The results obtained on the sanitation, replanting and management of the Bolgheri Avenue cypresses may be of great interest for the restoration of historical cypress plantations in Italy and in other Medocc (Western Mediterranean) countries. The inclusion of the Bolgheri Cypresses in the Cypmed project is recognition of an operation in which scientific progress is highlighted, confirming the international fame of the avenue that is visited every year by hundreds of foreign visitors who are captivated by such a wealth of natural beauty.

Bibliography Bezzini L., 1990 - Bolgheri. Bandecchi e Vivaldi Ed., Pontedera. Gellini R., Grossoni P., 1979 - Aspetti botanici del genere Cupressus. In “Il Cipresso: malattie e difesa”. V. Grasso, P. Raddi Ed.,Comunità Economica Europea, 27-43. Giannelli L., 2002 - Il cipresso. Storie e miti di terre toscane. Scramasax, Rep. San Marino, 151 pp. Panconesi A., Parrini C., 1979 - Nuove esperienze di lotta chimica contro il Seiridium (Coryneum) cardinale. Inf.tore Fitopatol., 29 (5), 13-17. Panconesi A., Raddi P., 1991 - Cancro del cipresso. Aspetti biologici ed epidemiologici. In “Il cipresso”, CNR, Regione Toscana, 49-60. Panconesi A., Danti R., 2003 - Quando risanare, quando abbattere. In “ La bonifica fitosanitaria a tutela del cipresso”. ARSIA, Regione Toscana, 67-78. Panconesi A., Danti R., Binazzi A., Roversi P.F., Pennacchio F., 2003 - Le avversità più ricorrenti del cipresso. In “La bonifica fitosanitaria a tutela del cipresso”. ARSIA, Regione Toscana, 15-35. Parrini C., 2003 - Presupposti teorici e risultati attesi dalla bonifica. In “La bonifica fitosanitaria a tutela del cipresso”. ARSIA, Regione Toscana, 59-66. Parrini C., Panconesi A., 1991 - I metodi di lotta contro il cancro corticale del cipresso. In “Il cipresso”. CNR, Regione Toscana, 94-109. Raddi P., Panconesi A., 1998 - Valorizzazione del patrimonio genetico per la resistenza al cancro del cipresso. Ann. Acc. It. Sci. For., XLVII: 45-53.

1 Agenzia Regionale per lo Sviluppo e l’innovazione in Agricoltura 2 Agenzia Regionale per la Protezione Ambientale della Toscana 3 Istituto Sperimentale per la Zoologia Agraria 4 Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche – Istituto per la Patologia degli Alberi Forestali (now IPP Istituto per la protezione delle Piante) 5 www.cypmed.cupressus.org 106 International Congress on the Trees of History

MONUMENTAL TREES INVENTORY OF THE PROVINCE PISTOIA, ITALY R. Ferretti*, M. Giachini, D. Giorgi**, M, Vannuccini *** * Executive of Territorial Resources Planning Service, Pistoia Province ** Independent professional *** Independent professional, Studio Tecnico Eureco

1. Introduction Monumental trees are a multifunctional resource, due to their naturalistic and historical relevance and to the important impact on landscape. In Tuscany, the value of monumental trees heritage has been recognized by the local law L.R. 60/1998. This law identifies the status of monumental tree, defines the rules for trees protection and valorisation and establishes a regional catalogue of monumental trees. The Territorial Resources Planning Service of the Province Pistoia, back in 1989, set up an inventory by which forty-one trees were identified, that according to their extraordinary age or size could be considered as “monumental”. Most of them are located in the mountain area of the province. The inventory was although not exhaustive, since it only took into account a part of the provincial territory: the lack of data and information about the wide district of municipalities of Pistoia, Montale, Pescia, Montecatini etc., leads to think that a consistent monumental trees heritage is still to be identified, also by taking in consideration the local dense historical villas system. In accordance with law 60/98 the opportunity to program protection and valorisation measurers is also given. These measures can although be only implemented on the basis of updated and consistent information on quantitative (morphometrical and dendrological data) and qualitative (physiological and sanitary conditions) characteristics of the trees and also about the changes of the area in which trees are located (SHIGO, 1993). In the frame of the new Co-ordinate Territorial Plan (P.T.C.), which considers monumental trees within the list of environmental resources of the province’s territory, a new initiative was taken in order to extend the inventory on the whole province and herewith establishes an exhaustive data base in relation to the trees’ consistency and health conditions, which will be integrated in provincial administration’s Geographical Information System. Particular attention will be given to geo-referencing trees’ locations, as a necessary premise to their correct identification on site.

2. Available information The available knowledge on the amount and conditions of monumental trees of the province Pistoia arise from four different sources which, at different times and with different criteria, attempted to assess the situation of the province’s green patriarchs. The first inventory, promoted by the National Forest Service (C.F.S.) in 1982, concerned the whole national territory. As far as the province Pistoia is concerned, thirteen monumental trees were singled out. Out of the twenty-two municipalities of the province Pistoia, only eight were represented, within the inventory, by at least one tree of extraordinary historical or monumental value. Municipalities such as Pistoia, Pescia and Quarrata, which represent a remarkable portion of provincial territory, contributed with no tree, whereas six monumental trees were identified in the territory of San Marcello Pistoiese. In 1989 the Provincial Administration of Pistoia performed an inventory by which forty-one monumental trees were identified, mainly located in the mountain area of the province and, in specific, in the territories of San Marcello Pistoiese, Sambuca Pistoiese and Abetone. In spite of the knowledge that was acquired through these census initiatives, only one tree of the province Pistoia (located in the municipality Lamporecchio), is actually inscribed in the Monumental Trees Regional List ex L.R. 60/98, out of a total of forty-nine trees setting up the list itself. In order to update and enrich the Regional List, the Regional Administration of Tuscany, in co-operation with the W.W.F., promoted the “Monumental trees in Tuscany” school contest in the school-year 2002-2003, addressed to the students of Tuscany’s schools. Thanks to this initiative, one-hundred and twenty-five trees were identified, eleven of which in the province Pistoia.These inventories, for several reasons, failed to give a global and exhaustive picture of the real situation of the monumental trees heritage on the wide territory of province Pistoia. If a comparative evaluation of all actions undertaken till now is performed, a basic incommunicability between different lists comes up. In other words, the regional list seems not to completely take into account the results of previous inventories. As a consequence, the Provincial Administration of Pistoia called out for an overall inventory which foresees the detailed analysis of the provincial territory, while updating and harmonising the information from previous initiatives. In particular, the lack of Torino, April 1st - 2 nd, 2004 107 knowledge about municipalities as Pistoia, Montecatini, Pescia and Quarrata, having a high incidence of remarkable villas and historical gardens, leads to think that a substantial monumental trees heritage is still to be identified.

3. Monumental tree inventory With reference to intervention measures foreseen by the regional regulations, which are put into effect by a specific action in the regional Rural Development Plan (P.S.R., Reg. 2057/99 EU), the present research and inventory initiative was set up according to some fundamental requirements: - Accurate trees’ geo-referencing, in order to obtain a certain tree identification on site, both for management and for eco-tourism activities. - Exhaustive description of sanitary and physiologic tree conditions, necessary to plan care and management measures. - Collecting exhaustive information about naturalistic, historical, traditional and landscape aspects related to each tree, in order to give to the regional Scientific Commission ex L.R.49/1995 (competent for evaluation of proposals for the admission to the regional list) as much information as possible, supporting the tree-candidates that will arise through the inventory. - Create an integrated management tool in accordance with the provincial Geographical Information System. The complete information collected throughout the inventory will be filed into a dedicated data base, developed in a Ms Access environment, linked to a point theme in shape format which stores spatial information (i.e. geographic location of each tree).

4. Research and documentation A preliminary documentation and research phase is essential for singling out monumental trees. Analysis of individual mentions, archive research, etc, will be collected and evaluated with the aim to obtain a wide range of preliminary knowledge. The primary information source is of course the provincial inventory of 1989, which will be eventually integrated with the results of the C.F.S. national inventory, and furthermore updated by recent acquisitions from the school contest organised by the regional administration and the W.W.F. Taking into account that a large portion of the province’s territory was not involved in the mentioned initiatives, it is of utmost importance to investigate documentary sources, which may lead to obtain remarkable information on monumental trees. For instance, the wide bibliography on historical villas and gardens is supposed to give suitable information, while also performing an analysis on local place’s names: quite often these names are originated by trees that were considered remarkable under a certain point of view. In order to collect direct mentions, a dedicated form was prepared, through which anyone can bring remarkable trees to notice. The form, which is accompanied by a short guide containing the requirements to which a monumental tree must be conforming, foresees that the user reports useful information for localisation of the tree and for a first screening of the received forms. The call for mentions will follow both institutional channels (municipalities, mountain communities, C.F.S. stations, etc.) and preferential channels in co-operation with environmental or cultural associations or any other institution having a direct interest on the territory. The inventory will also be promoted on Internet, by means of a web page linked to the web sites of the province, municipalities, and any involved association.

5. Monumental tree database In order to collect and file both field information and geographic data, a dedicated Geographical Information System was set up. Alphanumeric information, which means all quantitative and qualitative information, is managed by a data base developed in Access environment; spatial data (which means a point vector theme in shape format) is linked to the database via Windows ODBC protocol, and therefore the information can be managed directly in a GIS environment. The database is provided of proper forms for data input and visualisation, which allows a prompt data recall and change by the user. Data is recalled through several pages of access, each containing following information: - Tree identification, containing dendrological data and all useful information for the tree characterisation and localisation; - Tree conditions, containing morphometric data and a general description of physiological and biomechanical aspects; 108 International Congress on the Trees of History

- Sanitary conditions: the form contains specific information about a possible stress situation caused by biotic and/or non biotic factors and about identified pathologies, where applicable; - Management: the form contains a short report that summarises threats against the tree’s conservation, and technical and operative notes, in order to achieve a correct tree management and protection; - Monumental value: the form collects all available information about the historical, naturalistic, cultural and landscape values of the tree. Available data concerning the tree’s overall conditions (health and physiological status, biomechanical information) are also summarised on an analytical form, containing standard information, which is used both to obtain descriptive statistics about tree populations and also as a summary report that allows the field technician to keep the information during any future periodic inventory up to date.

6. Database contents In order to obtain information in the most standardised way as possible, a proper inventory form was prepared for field data collection, in which actual tree conditions are recorded. The inventory form is made up of keys recalling the tree characterisation and check, as well as indicators concerning tree location, structure, morphology and sanitary conditions.

Tree identification The form concerning the tree identification (Figure 1) reports some general information (identification code, species, date of first inventory) and the related photographic documentation. Furthermore, particular care is given to the tree localisation; as a matter of fact, geo-referencing the tree is of utmost importance in regards to the objectives of this work; therefore, an instrument assuring a high precision level in determining point location was chosen. The geographic location of each tree is therefore acquired by a Global Positioning System, transferred to a GIS software and finally reported in the regional technical cartography (CTR). The form contains: - Municipality, locality and eventually (for trees located in a garden or near a house) the street and the number of the house; - Gauss Boaga coordinates of the tree location; - Section of the regional technical map (CTR 1:10.000); - Land-registry references (sheet and parcel number): these references are requested within the authorisation procedures for different kinds of human activities, having an impact on the territory; therefore they represent an important control tool to check for possible modifications of the site. Finally, the property is identified (public or private) and references on the owner or the manager are recorded.

Figure 1. Tree identification form Torino, April 1st - 2 nd, 2004 109

Tree conditions The tree conditions form (Figure 2) reports, first of all, dendrological and dendrometrical main parameters, as circumference, diameter at breast height (this is actually a redundant data, but on the other hand the diameter allows to better assess the trunk size), height, height at which the green crown base starts (i.e. height of first living branch) and crown width (this is defined by the radius in the four directions, perpendicular one to each other). Some general information concerning the specimen to be preserved is also recorded: this can be an individual tree or a bio-group, which intended as a group of individuals originated by a single mother-plant and which cannot be classified as a single tree. The tree’s overall conditions are assessed through short descriptive reports concerning the location in which the tree lives (planting site), each of the tree’s main apparatuses (root system and collar, trunk, crown) and eventually recent management interventions. The soil and planting site aspects are of utmost importance for the evaluation of the roots’ water supply and the possibility to exchange gases. Therefore, some related aspects are put into evidence, as the kind of ground coverage, the soil compactness, eventual limitations to the root system’s development, morphological root anomalies, root decay symptoms, damaged roots, basal cavities etc. In reference to the trunk, some information about the morphology is registered and, eventually, damages and structural anomalies. In regards to the morphological aspects, the trunk inclination from the vertical axis is taken into account, as also any peculiar aspect such as V-shaped crotches, crooks, etc. Damages and anomalies due to factors having either a biotic and/or a non biotic origin are recorded, as indicators of pathologies or symptoms of reduced vigour or loss of mechanical wood stability. For instance, the following data is recorded: - Wounds on both bark or wood; - Emergence holes made by bark and wood miners; - loose bark or bark necrosis; - Cavities, of different depths and healing stadiums, due to pruning, wounds, wood decay and mechanical damages; - Wood decay fungi fruiting bodies, as symptoms of decaying wood, or visible wood decay; - Foreign body inclusions.

Figure 2. Tree condition form

In regards to the crown, all remarkable aspects are recorded, in order to describe tree’s physiological conditions and to make a precocious diagnosis of suffering conditions: - Presence of cavities, decaying wood and fungi fruiting bodies on branches; - Presence of dead or compromised branches; - Presence of pruning scars and wounds on main branches; - Presence of epicormic branches; - Stress symptoms due to pathologies of biotic or non-biotic origin, as leaves chlorosis and colour loss, leaves necrosis, cancers, microphyllia, crown dieback etc. Finally, some conclusive consideration on physiological and sanitary conditions are reported (in the section vegetative state) as a synthetic description of actual tree state. 110 International Congress on the Trees of History

All collected information by means of descriptive reports, can be viewed in a synthetic way through the analytical form (Figure 3), which allows to export data in an Excel file for statistical analysis or in order to produce final reports about the whole tree population. The analytical form consists of standard voices which allow to define the tree’s overall conditions.

Figure 3 Analytical form

Health condition This section contains a report about tree’s sanitary conditions, with a particular look at pathogens. The form contains photographic documentation related to present pathogens (insects, fungi, bacteria, etc.) and also any possible non biotic damage. The contents of this section can be viewed in the analytical form, too.

Management The section related to tree management contains the guidelines about the proposed future tree management interventions, while also putting in evidence any need to go into further depth on specific aspects. The reported interventions can be determined either by an immediate need for safety assurance or by a long-term planning, which, for instance, might be a site environmental improvement. Here below the possible intervention measures are reported: - Hazard tree assessment, which may be applicable for all trees located in areas with a high frequency of visitors and whenever symptoms of reduced carrying capacity are present (MATHENY & CLARK, 1994). The mentioned assessment is therefore strictly restricted to risk situations which require extraordinary management measures (BRELOER & MATTHECK, 1998); - Pruning is foreseen either as an extraordinary measure where a risk condition is given, or in case a clear negligence on planned intervention measures is assessed. Pruning prescriptions go always together with detailed operative technical notes and also specific photographic documentation; - Consolidations: these arboricultural tools are intended to prevent branch collapse through the use of moorings and supports, while also preventing from branch injuries occurring during branch fall, which is obtained by establishing predetermined falling directions; - Site improvement management measures; for instance, waterproof paving removal, soil improvement through agronomic interventions, etc. - Preventive or corrective sanitary treatments. This section also reports the main biomechanical parameters taken into account by the S.I.A. (Static Integrated Assessment) method. S.I.A. allows the assessment of some tree static characteristics by simply surveying dendrometrical parameters, as, for instance, tree height, dbh and crown shape. Once this data is assessed, through statistical models which were identified for each tree species, the base carrying capacity can be determined (a parameter that concerns the tree structural dimensioning), as well as residual wall thickness which is required in order to have a trunk with a 100% base carrying capacity (below this value the tree is under-dimensioned towards the crown loading). S.I.A. parameters were addressed within this work in order to obtain a first evaluation about the tree static characteristics and also to have a base reference for any future deepening needs on the hazard tree assessment. Up to present, S.I.A. models are available only for certain tree species, while static-morphologic mathematical relationships for many Mediterranean species (helm, cypress, etc.) are still to be investigated. Torino, April 1st - 2 nd, 2004 111

Figure 4. Management guidelines form

Monumental value In the last section all information related to naturalistic, historical, architectonic and landscape aspects or reference to local use and traditions linked to the trees is collected. According to Regional Law 60/98 a monumental tree is not only a tree of extraordinary size or age, but also a tree having a precisely defined reference to historical events or to local traditions. The documentation related to these specific aspects is therefore necessary to sustain trees’ candidates for the insertion in the regional list. This is moreover useful information for the tree valorisation (by means of informative activities) and for promoting the province’s natural heritage in the frame of environmental tourism.

7. Conclusions The described research and inventory programme on monumental trees in the province Pistoia is, at present, the most complete and exhaustive experience in the Tuscany region. This inventory, which is based on a solid arboricoltural basis, does not only allow to identify and register monumental trees, but it permits also to obtain a wide knowledge base, which is a useful tool for any management, protection and valorisation activity. Under a technical point of view, the collected information will provide a useful basis to develop a management disciplinary tailored on each tree, which can then be put into practice thanks to financial measures that are foreseen by regional laws, but which are also taken into account very seldom. Taking into consideration that monumental trees can be considered as a rural landscape promoting tool, the set of information that was collected can be used to promote environmental tourism and educational initiatives. The available digital archive, would in any case find in the web its natural divulgation mean.

References WESSOLLY L., 1995. Fracture diagnosis of trees. Part:2 Static Integrated Methods – Statically Integrated Assessment (SIA). The practitioner’s method of diagnosis. Stadt und Grun, 8: 570- 573. AA.VV., 1989. Censimento delle piante monumentali (L.R. 82/82). Provincia di Pistoia, 92 pp. BRELOER H., MATTHECK C., 1998. La stabilità degli alberi. Fenomeni meccanici e implicazioni legali dei cedimenti degli alberi. Il verde editoriale, Milano, 281 pp. SHIGO A.L., 1993. A new tree biology. Shigo and Trees Associates, Durham, New Hampshire. MATHENY N.P., CLARK J.R., 1994. A photographic guide to the evaluation of hazard trees in urban areas. Ed. International Society of Arboricolture (U.S.A), 85 pp. 112 International Congress on the Trees of History

CURES OF MONUMENTAL TREES: A METHODOLOGICAL APPROACH F. Grisoni, E. Viotto, M. Palenzona IPLA S.p.A. - Torino

Abstract In application of a regional law (n°50, 3.04.1995), “Protection and Evaluation of Piedmontese Monumental trees with high naturalistic and historical importance”, Piedmont Region has started a series of activities: catalogue and protection of monumental trees. Since Spring 2000 until today, IPLA, in collaboration with the Department for Evaluation and Protection of Agroforestry Resources (Turin University) and with the Italian Forestry Corps, has realized activities of planning, management and cures. By indications of a special Regional Commission, each subject or group has been accurately described, according to its morphological characteristics, and then cured. During three years of work, treatments were applied to 39 arboreal groups mainly belonging to native species and chosen homogeneously in the Piedmont Region. On the base of the tree health, a different kind of cure has been selected: dry branches elimination, pruning, recovery. Today it can be stated that the treated plants appear such vigorous as to assure a majestic future presence. Therefore, constant monitoring and on-time-treating is of primary importance, in case of new health problems.

Introduction By a Regional Law (n°50, 3.04.1995), “Protection and Evaluation of Piedmontese Monumental trees with high naturalistic and historical importance”, attention is addressed to these “living monuments”, because their presence can contribute to improve the regional landscape, and its environmental and cultural evaluation. The law provides for a catalogue of the Piedmont monumental trees (single trees, groups or monumental tree rows); their protection, by Regional financing of ordinary and extraordinary cures; the promotion of actions to evaluate and know monumental trees and understand the importance of their protection. Since many years, IPLA (Istituto per le Piante da Legno e l’Ambiente, Turin, Italy) has been working with the DI.VA.P.R.A. (Department for Evaluation and Protection of Agroforestry Resources Turin University) and with the Italian Forestry Corps, in order to apply the 50/95 Regional Law. Because of its technical – practical competences, IPLA has been involved in pilot activities of cures planning and realisation, since the beginning of this project. The aim was to cure and recover particularly interesting trees from the monumental point of view. Later on, IPLA was involved in the monumental trees catalogue and in spreading this kind of activity, also because of its contacts with many Piedmont Municipalities. Since Spring 2000 until today, IPLA was charged by the Region with the task to carry out an annual activity of works planning and management, realisation of cures and evaluation, on monumental trees according to the Regional 50/95 Law. The main objective of these activities is to provide a methodological example by treating a chosen group of trees. On the trees marked by a special Regional Technical Commission, IPLA has supervised the provided activities and finally produced technical and explicative cards to be spread out.

Materials and methods The first step of the project is to choose trees to be treated. IPLA technicians, in collaboration with the Turin University researchers, made preliminary field surveys to estimate characteristics of each tree indicated by the regional Technical Commission. During this first inspection, the location has been verified and a preliminary picture of the tree has been described, including a summary of the main health problems. Later on, the following activities have been developed on each chosen tree: I) Primary visual inspection An accurate description was performed, with particular attention to the phyto - sanitary and static conditions. In details, the following aspects were analysed: • apparent energy (new foliage development, presence and diffusion of dry leaves, crown colour); • root anchorage and potential dangerous situations depending on rooting specific sites (asphalted or transit areas, slopes, presence of manufactures or stagnant waters, ecc.); • crown form (regular, eccentric, unbalanced); • branch ramification characteristics: protrusion from main axis, insertion angle into the Torino, April 1st - 2 nd, 2004 113

trunk, inner and external injures (wounds, breakages, damages from lightning, tense wood, torsion effects, cavities, malformations, ecc); • injuries in the trunk or at the tree foot; • presence, shape and health of roots (development, emergence, phyto - sanitary conditions, ecc.); • presence of all types of phyto – pathologies, in particular of butt rot fungi. II) Treatment programme After a preliminary tree analysis, the plan for the main treatments has been defined. The following kind of cures were provided: • pruning for foliage reduction and safety measures, to lower the sail effect of apex parts (especially the lateral branches exposed to winds and far from the main axis), by lightening malformed branches; • pruning dry branches to avoid the danger of unexpected falls; • disinfection of superficial wounds on healthy wood by cupric oxychloride solutions, in order to improve plant reactions against wood fungi attacks and to preserve mechanical resistance of trees; • in case of open large wounds, operations of dendro-surgery by removing decayed and injured wood parts, to eliminate infection sources (recovery), and subsequent treatments on wood by cupric oxychloride; • wound dressing: application of seals (usually thin lead slabs) over open-up wounds more subject to wood decay because of rainwater infiltration; • wound dressing: application of protection nets, to preserve cavities from storage of vegetal detritus (leaves, ecc.) and/ other materials; • rod bracing to consolidate the unbalanced ramifications by anchoring branches, with opposite barycentre, tied each other to compensate tensions, or by anchoring the most divaricated and dangerous branches to the trunk; • realisation of specific and special supports to fix great and too much unbalanced branches, if rod bracing is not possible; • indication of integrated works to improve landscape and monumental values and the tree protection (for example, pruning on contiguous trees, realisation of flower beds with protection curb, ecc). IPLA has consulted Turin University specialists to choose the specific cures to the most difficult cases of stability and vegetative decay. During this phase, also site accessibility has been studied and the most suitable tools to operate on tree crowns has been chosen. A specific field card (fig. 1) has been utilised to describe trees and observe the main characters (point I and II). Denomination and location of the analysed monumental tree, site accessibility, tree description and suggested cures, final evaluation and list of photos are reported on this card.

Figure 1. Field card 114 International Congress on the Trees of History

III) Works management Cures have been usually performed by “Airgreen” of Fratelli Airaudi, Robassomero (TO), that has realized the jobs according to indications and supervision of the IPLA technicians. Different models of hoists have been utilised. They are suitable to catch up the higher and majestic tree tops and can get in and work in the less accessible crown parts. In some cases, difficult access to the site tree has imposed the use of special tools: self-moving hoists mounted on crawlers (fig. 2), able to drive off the roads, on mountain tracks, and to reach out of the way sites, as, for example, the Strobe Pine of Chiusa Pesio (CN) and the Ilex of Rigoroso – Arquata Scrivia (AL).

Figure 2. A particular type of hoist Figure 3. Tree climbing technique is used to mounted on a caterpillar tractor. prune trees unreachable by mechanical Chiusa Pesio (CN) means. Pietraporzio (CN)

In other cases, operations were carried out by the aid of stairs and “tree climbers”, pruners that climb the plant and work using ropes and hooks (fig.3). Two example are the Chestnut tree of Crodo (VB) and the Larch of Pietraporzio (CN).

Results During the three years (2001-2003) of work, cures were performed on 39 trees or arboreal groups (fig. 4). The chosen plants, placed in homogenous patterns in the Piedmont region (fig. 5), belong mainly to native species; only in some cases they are exotic, like, as an example, the Sequoias of Burcina Park (BI) and Roccavione (CN) or the Gingko of Casalbeltrame (NO). Faced problems were very heterogeneous: in some cases treated trees presented only dry branches (for example the Ilex of Rigoroso, AL, and the Larix of Rima, VB); in other cases the crown was so poorly balanced and badly conformed that specific re- balancing and crown reduction tinning was necessary (for example, the Yew-tree of Cavandone, VB, and the Horse-chestnut of Casorzo, AT). Sometime many wood decays were detected so recovery techniques were to be used (for example, the Cedrus of Montalenghe, TO, the Chestnut of Bioglio, BI, the Ash of Moncenisio, TO); finally, some trees were so injured and presented so complex problems that a specific recovery project was necessary; it usually included not only the common cures but also the realisation of particular supports (for example, the Lime of Macugnaga, VB, the Planes of Savigliano, CN). Described and treated plants appear sufficiently such vigorous as to assure a majestic presence along time. Obviously, the necessary conditions are their constant monitoring and on-time execution of the necessary cures in order to avoid serious damages to the tree in the future. Torino, April 1st - 2 nd, 2004 115

Figure 4. List of treated trees

Figure 5. Distribution of the Trees in the Piedmont Region

In the first enclosure, some pictures of some types of cures, executed during the project, are reported.

Acknowledgements The authors thank very much Federica Spaziani and Annamaria Ferrara who helped to write this work and Fabio Petrella who helped to translate it into English 116 International Congress on the Trees of History

First enclosure Pictures of the main types of carried out cures Torino, April 1st - 2 nd, 2004 117 118 International Congress on the Trees of History Torino, April 1st - 2 nd, 2004 119 120 International Congress on the Trees of History Torino, April 1st - 2 nd, 2004 121

THE “PRODIGIOUS” CYPRESS OF SAN BENEDETTO IL MORO D.S. La Mela Veca*, M. Ala*, F. Terranova** and G. Barbera* * Dipartimento di Colture Arboree, Università di Palermo ** Centro Regionale per la Progettazione e il Restauro, e per le Scienze Naturali ed Applicate ai Beni Culturali, Assessorato dei Beni Culturali ed Ambientali e della P.I., Regione Siciliana

1. Introduction In the Mediterranean culture, the cypress is traditionally a sacred tree, often with funeral meaning. The Etruschi, the Greek and the Romans used to represent it on the funeral urns. The cypress was devoted to Plutone and was planted in front of the doors as mourning, the funereal crowns had been woven with leafy branches of myrtle and cypress. As funeral trees, the cypress is remembered by Plinio and sung by Ovidio and Virgilio (CHIUSOLI, 1979). The sacredness of the cypress is confirmed by an old imposing exemplar, considered as the oldest tree in Palermo (PINTAGRO, 1992). It is located next to the fifteenth-century convent of Santa Maria di Gesù in the outskirts of the city. According to the tradition, cypress is sprouted miraculously from a fixed baton in the ground by S. Benedetto il Moro, born of Ethiopian slaves in 1524. He lived for a long time like a hermit and therefore, since 1562, lived in the convent, with the exception of a brief permanence in the convent of Sant’Anna in Giuliana, up to 1589. He was considered a holy thaumaturge man, he was patron of Palermo and he was known through the Franciscan Order and the Spanish Court also in Spain and in Latin America. He was canonized by Pio VII in 1807. His body is conserved in the Church of Santa Maria di Gesù and it is still today an attraction of pilgrimage (DELL’AIRA, 2003; FIUME, 2000).

Figure 1 - The cypress of San Benedetto il Moro with the Conca d’Oro in a press of 1840 (drawn from “Pictures from Sicily”, London)

According to the legend about the veneration of the Saint, the thriving cypress - next to the chapel where Benedetto stopped for praying, located not very far from the convent along a path of the slopes of Mount Grifone which is used for celebrating of the via crucis - had been grown through a baton used by him. The exceptionality of the cypress is testified also by a habitus considered unusual for the disposition of the principal branches on the stem that is derived from the fact written in 1612 by the great Spanish dramatist Lope de Vega, “il frate nero piantò (il bastone, ndr) capovolto nel terreno prima di morire. I suoi rami non spiovono intorno come quelli degli abeti comuni. Si allargano verso il cielo, alla rovescia” (DELL’AIRA, 1995). The cypress is either important for its great historical and religious meaning, or for its presence connected to the cult of a very popular and revered Saint. It is surely a monumental tree for its age, dimensions, visibility in the landscape, history and religious values (PAVOLINI, 1999). The dating and the analysis Visual Tree Assessment (VTA) of the cypress, further to have a religious value, (the necessity of the miracle would be denied by a non compatible age with the years of the permanence of the Saint in the convent), constitutes an important contribution to the knowledge of the richest vegetable patrimony of a city, whose suburban territory (the Conca d’Oro) is known to the historians of the environment and the agriculture as “di antico e quasi mitico predominio dell’albero” (BEVILACQUA, 1996). For the dating of the tree has been carried out a dendrochronological analysis. Through the dendrochronological approach with the simple determination of the number of rings of growth in the stem is, in fact, possible to determine the age of the tree investigated and to quantify, potentially, the relationships between plant and environment (CORONA, 1980). 122 International Congress on the Trees of History

2. Location, environmental and botanical aspects of the study area The cypress of San Benedetto is located in the park of pertinence of the convent and the monumental cemetery of Santa Maria di Gesù at an altitude of 190 m a.s.l. and at slopes of Grifone Mount, in the southern part of the city of Palermo (Fig. 2).

Figure 2. View of the Convent and of the monumental Cemetery of Santa Maria di Gesù The area represents a roughed morphology with superior inclinations over 40% and with exposure N-NW. The climate is characterized by mild temperatures and precipitations like those regional. According to the Rivas-Martinez bioclimate classification the climate is upper Thermo-mediterranean-subhumid. The local primary vegetation probably was a mixed Mediterranean oak forest dominated by Quercus virgiliana and Quercus ilex, while the areas characterized by shallow soil and a warmer climate were probably characterized by an evergreen sclerophyllous maquis. Despite the strong human impact on the territory, on the NW slopes of Grifone Mount grow different species of the Rhamno alaterni-Quercetum ilicis, an evergreen plant community typical on limestone slopes of the coastal area of Palermo Mounts (BRULLO and MARCENÒ, 1985; GIANGUZZI et al., 1996) (Fig. 3).

Figure 3. Shrub community near the cypress of San Benedetto il Moro

On the slopes along the path which from the sanctuary takes to the cypress, it is possible to notice some pre-forest vegetation fragments belonging to Oleo-Ceratonion siliquae alliance, grassland features belonging to Hyparrhenion hirtae alliance, as well as rocky cliffs communities referable to Dianthion rupicolae alliance. The actual landscape is characterized by rock outcrops and by xeric and poor grasslands, dominated by Hyparrhenia hirta. Elsewhere are present several species quite common in open maquis (Oleo sylvestris-Euphorbietum dendrolidis), such as Olea europaea var. sylvestris, Euphorbia dendroides, Ceratonia siliqua, Prasium majus, Asparagus albus, Calicotome infesta, Ruta chalepensis, Teucrium fruticans, and many species of the more mature maquis communities (Rhamno alaterni-Quercetum ilicis), such as Fraxinus ornus, Pistacia terebinthus, Rhamnus alaternus, Asparagus acutifolius, Rosa sempervirens, Rubia peregrina, etc. In the recent past these semi-natural and subnatural communities have been overlapped with Pinus halepensis, Pinus pinea, Cupressus sempervirens and Acacia saligna plantations. Despite their high density, within them it is possible to observe quite remarkable processes of early naturalization stages. Near the convent and inside the cemetery there are different monumental individuals of cypress (Cupressus sempervirens). The most imposing one is actually the cypress of San Benedetto (C. sempervirens var. horizontalis), which grows isolated on the slopes of Grifone Mount near the chapel dedicated to the Saint (Fig. 4): its circumference is 3.50 m (at 2 m above ground) and its height is 23 m. Torino, April 1st - 2 nd, 2004 123

Figure 4. The cypress of San Benedetto il Moro today. The background which remains of Conca d’Oro

The crown shows some empty spaces because of the desiccation of different branches, especially in the basal part. The stem also is damaged probably caused by fires and buttresses typical of old trees.

3. Dating and stability of the cypress of San Benedetto il Moro 3.1 Methodology For the dating has been taken out a tree core with the incremental borer of Pressler in a height of around 25 cm from the ground. In laboratory the tree core has been pasted on a wood support with a central groove. In order to examine the transversal section, there has been performed the pasting of the core taking care of that the woody fibres which were put in orthogonal way on the plan of support. The tree core has, finally, been smoothed with a thin abrasive paper (100, 250 and 400), in order to underline the growth rings and to make easier their reading and measurement (Fig. 5). The preliminary phase of analysis of the sample was the cross-dating (FRITTS, 1976) which means giving the exact forming year of every single ring. This operation has been performed with a stereoscope dating the series beginning from the last ring that is formed under the bark. The dating has been performed comparing the series with another of a near cypress of inferior age.

Figure 5. Pasted and smoothed tree core, ready to be analyzed The comparison has been effected considering the total thickness of the rings (characteristic rings), the thickness of the zone with the spring and summer wood, the mean vase dimension and the presence of possible scars (SCHWEINGRUBER et al., 1978). The individualization of characteristic rings has a fundamental importance to resolve doubtful cases and to individualize absent or double (false) rings. The dating has been very difficult because of the irregular rhythm of growth of the species that often determines the formation of false rings. The cypress, for such reason is considered by dendrochronologists a trouble - making species. For these reasons the cypress is a low studied species, although in Italy have been done some short chronologies and well cross - dating on trees located in the southern Appennino (Salerno and Potenza) by CORONA (1970). The individualization of false rings has been, in our case, difficult because was examined only a small section of the plant (only one tree core, not being able to withdraw others for the presence of an adjacent wall on the base of the stem) so it hasn’t been possible to verify if there were vanished false rings which are absent in the whole circumference. In 124 International Congress on the Trees of History order to recognize the absent rings it has been necessary to start from the consideration that they differ from those true. The true ones showed an early thick and a late thread-like zone. Furthermore, in the true rings, the limit between the late and early zone is marked but that one between the early and late zone is a little vanished. In the conifers generally the false rings are separate from those true because of their external part which is less intensely coloured (UZIELLI E NARDI BERTI, 1979; GIORDANO, 1981) (Fig. 5). The thickness of rings has been measured with the dendrochronograph LINTAB 3. The measures have been performed with a precision of 1/100 mm beginning from the first ring at the centre of the tree. Considering that the cypress of San Benedetto is a monumental tree, we have also effected, in sight of possible protective interventions, an analysis of the stability according to the criterions of evaluation established by the methodology VTA (MATTHECK E BRELOER, 1998) and according to the suggestions by the “Protocol ISA on the Evaluation of the Stability of Trees ©” that provide a visual and instrumental examination. The data sampled has been transcribed on a special card, which will constitute a general updating of informative base for the following instrumental analyses e/o for the evaluation of the level of stability in order to define the possible necessary interventions and the periodicity recommended for the following controls. The instrumental examination has been performed using the Resistograph (model F400 S) and the fractometer. The research has been assembled at the base of the stem, and from a first visual investigation, has been underlined a light camber, a possible symptom of inside degradation. There have been effected 5 tests in order to investigate the whole circumference of the stem. The tests with the fractometer (3 measurements) have been performed on a tree core, withdrawn in correspondence of the resistograph survey n. 1, with the purpose to determine its moment of breaking.

3.2 Results The Cypress of San Benedetto is 426 years old and, therefore, it is born in 1577. In the figure 6 are represented the elementary chronology of the tree. Being formed from a single ring series, it can be suffered from errors due to the individuation of false rings. Its annual mean growth has been of 87,88 cents of mm; after a first short period of slow growing, and then about two hundred years of sustained growth followed by a slowdown. However there is large variability in tree-ring width probably due to exceptional climatic events e/o troubles of human origin, mainly fires. The progress of the broken one is sufficiently homogeneous and typical of isolated tree.

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Figure 6 - Elementary chronology of the cypress of San Benedetto il Moro The resistograph profiles don’t clearly underline the growth intervals because the transition between early and late zone is gradual. However it has not been possible to compare the profiles with the graph derived by the dendrochronological study of a tree core withdrawn immediately on the resistograph profile n. 1 (Fig. 7). For the analysis of the stability, the graphs got with the Resistograph showed, along their length, a regular progress. The increasing progress of the graph from the outside of the stem toward the inside is caused by a greater content of extracted. This helps to increase the density of the heartwood in comparison to the sapwood. The investigations with the resistograph and with the fractometer have not underlined wood degradation. The fractometer tests performed on the tree core have underlined values of the parameters Torino, April 1st - 2 nd, 2004 125

(moment of fracture and angle of fracture) comparable with the safety limits drawn by field studies on trees of the same species. Visual analysis has, in fact, pointed out light defects of form and small anomalies. The risks of the crashing down are referable to those of the class A. The light morphological anomalies can get worse in the time. From the visual analysis have not been found, however, symptoms of degradation in the stem and in the principal branches. A light torsion of fibres noticed on a branch, as light lines on the stem, take part of the morphological characteristics of the species and they are common in old trees.

Figure 7 - Profile n. 1 of resistograph analysis

4. Conclusions Dating performed using dendrochronology analysis has allowed to certify that the tree is about 426 year old. Going back for an equivalent period of time, we reach 1577 that is almost in the mean of the period of permanence of the Saint in the convent (1567-1589). Beyond every fideistic approach it is possible that San Benedetto has transplanted in that place, less probable - for the difficulty of the cypresses to take root by cutling - that originates from the Saint’s baton! Its crown shape (Fig. 4) considered “strange” and its old age, in fact, are perfectly compatible with the fact that the tree belongs to the variety of horizontalis. In fact, the historical image goes back to 1840 and shows a typical cypress of this variety; following alterations which could have been caused by winds, lightnings and fires. The research has surely confirmed the elevated historical-religious value of the monumental tree which in the future merits to mostly be protected and respected. The analysis of stability has also allowed to give useful indications to its safeguard. On the stem has been observed, died fragments caused by precedents badly cuts susceptible of degradation. It is advisable, therefore, the trimming of the same to avoid that the agents of degradation can pass to the healthy portions of the wood inside the stem. Furthermore, on the internal part of crown there are different died ramifications of first and second order that makes opportune pruning practice. Besides, the pruning is important to decrease the resistance of the crown against the wind. Dealing with a subject of the crashing down risk belonging to the class A, it is necessary a biennial visual analysis and an instrumental verification after three years. The results encourage to keep on studying the dendrochronology of the cypress in order to draw information on the climatic history and on the quality of the air of Palermo.

Acknowledgements A particular thanks to Salvo Pasta for his contribution for the floristic analysis and to Carlo Di Leo for the stability analysis.

Bibliography

BEVILACQUA P., 1996 – Tra natura e storia. Ambiente, economie, risorse in Italia, Donzelli Editore, Roma. BRULLO S., MARCENÒ C. (1985) - Contributo alla conoscenza della classe Quercetea ilicis in Sicilia. Not. Fitosoc., 19 (1) (1984): 183-229. CHIUSOLI A., 1979 – Il Cipresso nell’arte e nel paesaggio. In: Grasso V. e Raddi P., Atti del seminario “Il cipresso. Malattie e difese”, Firenze, 23/24 Novembre, pp.19-25. CORONA E., 1970 – Valore dendrocronologico del cipresso sempreverde. Monti e Boschi, 21 (9): 21-25. CORONA E., 1980 - Il contributo della dendrocronologia in alcune ricerche storiche. Annali dell’Accademia Italiana di Scienze Forestali, 29: 265-286. DELL’AIRA A., 1995 – Commedia famosa del santo nero Rosambuco della città di Palermo. Introduzione e versione italiana. Palombo, Palermo, pag. 35. DELL’AIRA A., 2003 - San Benedetto il Moro tra Sicilia e Galizia. Kalòs – anno XV n.2, Palermo. FIUME G., 2000 – Il Santo Patrono e la città.San Benedetto il Moro: culti, devozioni, strategie di età moderna. Marsilio Editori S.p.A., Venezia. 126 International Congress on the Trees of History

FRITTS H.C, 1976 - Tree Rings and Climate. Accademic Press, New York. GIANGUZZI L., I LARDI V., R AIMONDO F.M. (1996) - La vegetazione del promontorio di Monte Pellegrino.- Quad. Bot. Ambientale Appl., 4 (1993): 79-137. GIORDANO G.¸ 1981 – Tecnologia del legno. Volume 1. La materia prima. UTET, 100-109 e 232-234 pp. MATTHECK C. E BRELOER H., 1998 - La Stabilità degli Alberi. Il Verde Editoriale. NARDI BERTI R., 1993 – La struttura anatomica del legno ed il riconoscimento dei legnami italiani di più corretto impiego. Contributi scientifico-pratici, XXIV: 892-893. PAVOLINI M., 1999 - Alberi monumentali e territorio. Evoluzione geostorica, considerazioni fitogeografiche e valenza dei grandi “patriarchi” italiani. Rivista di Storia dell’Agricoltura, Anno XXXIX, n°1: 4-32. PINTAGRO M., 1992 – Arborea. La storia di Palermo in cento alberi illustrati. Helix Media Editore, Palermo. SCHWEINGRUBER F.H., FRITTS H.C., BRAKER O.U., SCHAR E., 1978 - Dendroclimatic studies on conifers from central Europe and Great Britain. Boreas, 8: 427-452. UZIELLI U., NARDI BERTI R., 1979 – Aspetti tecnologici del legno di Cipresso (Cupressus sempervirens L.). In: Grasso V. e Raddi P., Atti del seminario “Il cipresso. Malattie e difese”, Firenze, 23/24 Novembre, pp.95-109. Torino, April 1st - 2 nd, 2004 127

INVENTORY OF THE VETERAN TREES DESERVING PROTECTION IN THE PROVINCE OF FERRARA E. Mantovani1, G. Morelli2, L. Raspanti3, The Committee for the Safeguard of Trees in the Ferrara Province4 1 Provincial Administrator in Ferrara; 2 Professional, Ferrara; 3 Professional, Bologna; 4 The Committee for the safeguard of trees in the Ferrara Province comprises the representatives of the following associations: Friends of the Ferrarese Museums and Monuments, AREA, “Unione” circle, Deputazione di Storia Patria, the Biology Department of Ferrara University, the Faculty of Architecture of Ferrara University, FAI, Ferrariae Decus, Ferrara Garden Club, the UNESCO-Ferrara group, ITALIA NOSTRA, Legambiente, LIPU, the Roll of Forest Agronomists of the Ferrara Province, the Ferrara Naturalists’ Society, WWF

Introduction In 1977 the Emilia-Romagna Region established, according to the Regional Law n. 2 of the selfsame year, the preservation and safeguard of “arboreal specimens, single or grouped, in copses, in rows, of outstanding scientific or monumental interest”. The basis for this legislative norm was a summary inventory, carried out on the principle of the unprompted notice on the part of local administrations of the trees, both privately and publicly owned, that seemed deserving protection. In the context of the Emilia-Romagna Region, the Province of Ferrara appeared to be the least endowed with trees having a monumental character, with a total of 20 protected single trees or groups of trees, i.e. only 3.12% of the overall patrimony of the Emilia-Romagna Region. Next to these trees another 60 trees were mentioned, identified as “remarkable”, whose botanical and environmental importance was recognized, but no specific control was provided for them. As from 2003 the Province of Ferrara has decided to see to the updating of the information relative to the protected specimens, entrusting the survey relative to the Ferrarese territory to the Studio Progetto Verde, together with Ms. L. Raspanti, agronomist. At the same time, the Province of Ferrara has started a program for the identification and the valorization of the environmental pity points that, starting off from known and verified data, would then merge all the available data, and then proceed to a rational management of the whole of the provincial patrimony. In practice, this is an inventory that requires a careful and thorough survey, as of now still in progress, on the presence in the territory, of “vegetation emergencies of the arboreal and shrub type” linked to the landscape, with particular attention to the arboreal specimens possessing monumental importance. The present study illustrates the methods by which this survey will be carried out, anticipating some of the results already achieved.

Materials and methods The elements of the landscape with which the Ferrara Provincial Administration is concerned are: single trees, copses, rows of trees avenues, hedges, traditionally planted orchards of typical trees, rows trees planted for vine-bearing. Limiting the treatment to single trees only, the information to be gathered are the following – dendrometric, morphologic and architectonic data, conditions of visibility and accessibility to the site, and the perception of the tree in the landscape, that is its relevance to the landscape. The survey operations have been organized according to a feed-back principle and can be schematically described in the following way: 128 International Congress on the Trees of History

The first process entails making the local authorities, in particular municipals, aware of the need to signal the elements worthy of entering the inventory, using as a prop a summary survey card called “Individuation file-card” (Attachment n.1 – Individual file-card for single tree) The whole corpus of these reports, together with those produced by the Committee for the Safeguard of Trees is received by the Province through the second process. The evaluation of the incoming data allows the identification of the elements in the landscape actually deserving protection. For these, through the third process, an actual inventory is activated, which requests a detailed survey chart, called “ Complete specialist file-card” (Attachment n.2) filled in by the professionals. This stage is also accompanied by the topographical identification of the tree, by means of G.P.S. technology, ad by its position on specific thematic maps. In the detailed survey, particular importance is given to photographic data, which must significantly illustrate the data described in the file-card. All gathered information, organized on computer, is given back to the Province though the fourth process, so as to be reorganized and used for management, planning and information aims.

Results As already said, the work is still in progress, and it is thus impossible, at the moment, to produce data on the scope of heritage of monumental trees of the Province of Ferrara, or on its intrinsic features. Nevertheless, a first summary of the surveys carried out for the updating of information relative to the trees protected under regional law n. 2, 1977, allows us some fundamental considerations. The data gathered in the past on the basis of spontaneous information without successive verification are approximate and often incorrect. A simple spontaneous indication does not permit an exhaustive picture of the veteran trees that are actually present in a given area which, in the case of the Province of Ferrara, seems to be much richer in valuable arboreal elements than the historical data in possession of the Province indicated. The lack of updating available information, lasting more than two decades, supplies a much more optimistic view of the arboreal monumental heritage than hitherto supposed. Lastly, it can be observed that the mere safeguard of an arboreal specimen, detached from a monitoring and enhancing program on its behalf does not guarantee it effective safeguard. These initial considerations confirm the validity of the choice of several different figureheads (volunteer associations, local administrators and professionals) concurring together to the inventory of remarkable trees. Furthermore, they underline the need of coordinating the work and of safeguarding at a more limited level than the regional one, that is at provincial level.

Conclusions The work so far carried out, on the basis of previous experiences, strongly supports the idea of creating a data-bank that would transcend being a simple cognitive reference, but which might become a tool in the valorization of the territory. To achieve this result, it is expedient to link all gathered information with the dynamics of the area they refer to, shifting from a merely impositive view of protection to a propositive one, thanks to which the identification and the filing of a monumental tree be translated in an undertaking of responsibility towards it, whereby any desire of safeguarding it be translated in an actual act of management and valorization.

Bibliography Assessorato all’Ambiente, Istituto Beni Culturali, Regione Emilia-Romagna (1991). Alberi monumentali dell’Emilia-Romagna. Censimenti e tutela. Bologna. Lonsdale D. (1999). Principles of Tree Hazard Assessment and Management. The Stationery Office, Norwich England. Morelli G. (1999). Il Censimento del verde del Comune di Ferrara. Estimo e Territorio, 9: 54-56. Nicolotti G., Della Beffa G., Mondino G. P., Palenzona M. (2003). Alberi monumentali in Piemonte. Presenze e avversità. Priuli & Verlucca editori, Ivrea (To). Read H. (2000). Veteran Trees: a guide to good management. English Nature, Peterborough Inghilterra. Tosetti T., Tovoli C. (ed.) (2002). Istituto per i beni artistici culturali e naturali della Regione Emilia Romagna. Giganti protetti gli alberi monumentali in Emilia Romagna. Editrici Compositori, Bologna. Torino, April 1st - 2 nd, 2004 129

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130 International Congress on the Trees of History Torino, April 1st - 2 nd, 2004 131

OBSERVATIONS ON THE EPIDEMIOLOGY OF CERATOCYSTIS FIMBRIATA F.SP. PLATANI ON PLANES IN A HISTORICAL LINE AND ATTEMPTS OF DISEASE CONTROL R. Martinis, P. Gonthier, F. Guglielmo, G. Nicolotti, A.M. Ferrara°, F. Tagliaferro°, E. Viotto° University of Torino, Di.Va.P.R.A. – Plant Pathology, Grugliasco (TO) - Italy °Forest and Environment Institute – I.P.L.A. S.p.A. Istituto per le Piante da Legno e l’Ambiente, Torino - Italy

Summary Four Platanus hybrida trees suddenly died in summer 2001 in a historical line at Serralunga di Crea (Al), North Western Italy. The death was due to the canker-stain disease caused by Ceratocystis fimbriata f.sp. platani. This paper describes the patterns of epidemics of Ceratocystis within the line. Since summer 2001, seven trees have been dying, and 12 trees were found to be infected by the pathogen in the xylem vessels either of the stem or of the roots. The role of root contacts, root anastomoses, and vectors for the spread of the disease within the line is discussed in the paper. Attempts to stem the epidemics by physical barriers were also made, and preliminary results are given.

Introduction Among the tree species growing in urban environments or parks, the planes (Platanus spp.) are commonly considered as good candidates to became monumental trees. Their relatively rapid growth, allowing to attain great dimensions, the shape of their crown, the morphology and colour of their bark, all accounts for such position. According to a recent census of trees in Piemont (North Western Italy), about ten percent of candidates to become monumental trees are planes (unpublished data). Planes are susceptible to wood decay fungi, root rot and leaf disease agents that may affect their vitality and integrity (Nicolotti et al. 2001; Marchetti, 2003; Nicolotti et al., 2004). Planes are also susceptible to a lethal fungal disease named canker-stain, and caused by Ceratocystis fimbriata f.sp. platani. Ceratocystis infects planes by spores or mycelial fragments on contaminated pruning tools, or through terracing machinery which causes damage to the roots (Vigouroux and Stojadinovic, 1990). It has also been shown that the fungus may spread from one tree to another via root grafts (Accordi, 1986). Despite these findings, the epidemiology of canker- stain disease still need investigations. Since the disease is extremely serious, protocols for the quarantine or the control are prescribed by the law in several European Countries. In Italy, according to the D.M. 17/04/ 1998, infected trees and any surrounding trees must be felled, and their wood must be incinerated or, alternatively, buried. Stumps should be extracted from the soil or killed by chemicals. The Italian protocol prescribes that all operations (i.e. felling, transport of infected wood) must be carried out avoiding sawdust dispersion in order to minimize the risk of new infections. As these approaches are quite onerous, any alternative strategies for disease control would be appreciable. The goals of this paper were: i) to describe the patterns of epidemics of canker-stain in a historical line, where no pruning (i.e. infection courts) has been occurring for decades, ii) to calculate the number of root contacts and anastomoses between neighboring trees, in order to assess the potential for tree to tree fungal spread, and iii) to check for the presence of C. fimbriata in roots of different diameter classes. Attempts to stem the epidemics by physical barriers within the line were also made, and preliminary results are given in the text.

Materials and method The present study was carried out in a historical line (Fig. 1) comprising 36 Platanus hybrida Brot., located at Serralunga di Crea (Al) (Tenuta Guazzaura), in the North Western Italy. Planes were about 160 years old, 30 m high, and their diameter at breast height (DBH) ranged between 70 to 160 cm. In summer 2001 four trees suddenly died. Diagnosis revealed the presence of C. fimbriata f.sp. platani inside the xylem vessels of dead trees. Such finding was interesting because i) the line was far away from any other plane formations, and ii) no pruning has been occurring for decades, so no apparent infection courts may explain how the fungus established there.

Patterns of epidemics of C. fimbriata f.sp. platani All trees were carefully mapped, and their general health conditions were monitored monthly since summer 2001. Trees displaying withering on crown, or simply sparse chlorotic 132 International Congress on the Trees of History foliage, were sampled, after bark removal, by extracting wood pieces of about 4 x 4x 3 cm by a sterilized scalpel from the edge of areas of xylem discoloration or at 1.3 m above ground. Wounds were treated with methyl thiophanate (Enovit Metil, Sipcam). The presence of C. fimbriata f.sp. platani was detected from collected samples either by incubating them in a moist chamber at 22° C in order to induce fruit bodies differentiation, or by extracting wood slivers (5-6 x 2-3 mm) and incubating them for 5 days onto 5 cm Petri dishes filled with Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) (PDA 39g, streptomycine sufphate 0.150 mg, 1 l distilled water). The identification of fungal colonies was performed on the base of their macro- and microscopic features. All Ceratocystis isolates were subsequently subcultured and stored at 5° C on MEA (20 g glucose, 20 g malt extract, 2 g peptone, 20 g agar, 1 l distilled water).

Fig. 1- Historical line of Platanus hybrida at Serralunga di Crea (Al) (Tenuta Guazzaura)

Investigations on root contacts and anastomoses between neighbouring trees To study the potential for fungal spread via root contact or anastomoses, the root system was excavated between two neighbouring planes (Fig. 2) to check for the occurrence of root contacts or anastomoses between them. The two trees were 4,2 m far from each other. The excavation was about 60 cm depth. All roots, down to 0.5 cm diameter, were labelled and their diameter was measured each 10 cm.

Fig. 2- Excavation of the root system between two planes at Serralunga di Crea (Al) (Tenuta Guazzaura)

The following parameters related to the root system architecture were considered: i) mean diameter and number of roots at 70, 140, 210, 280, 350, 420 cm from the collar of trees, and ii) the total number of root contacts or root anastomoses between trees. Regression analysis was used to explore the relationships between the diameter of roots and their distance from the collar of the tree. To investigate for the relative importance of contacts vs anastomoses, the surface of root contacts and root anastomoses between trees was measured and compared.

Presence of C. fimbriata f.sp. platani in the roots The presence of C. fimbriata f.sp. platani was checked in roots of three planes. Excavations about 70 x 450 cm, and 160 cm depth, were made at about 3 m from the collar of trees. The Torino, April 1st - 2 nd, 2004 133 relative X Y coordinates of all roots visible on the profile were taken. A total of eighty roots were sampled by excising transversal disks. The presence of the pathogen on the collected samples was assessed as described above, or by checking for the presence of the typical clamydospores of C. fimbriata f.sp. platani inside xylem vessels. Transversal sections 30 mm thick were obtained by a microtome, and observations were performed under a light microscope at 400 x magnification.

Attempts to control the epidemics within the line Attempts to control the epidemics within the line were made by isolating uninfected from infected trees. For this purpose, a total of 40 m of trenches, each about 170 cm depth, were excavated in summer 2003. Broken roots on the walls of trenches were treated with methyl thiophanate. Root barriers (RootcontrolÒ) were buried into the trenches in order to prevent the negative effects of root growth (Fig. 3). The location of trenches is shown in Fig. 4.

Fig. 3- Trenches were made in order to separate asymptomatic from infected trees. Root barriers were buried into the trenches

Results Patterns of epidemics of C. fimbriata f.sp. platani Since summer 2001, 8 planes died (22%) in the line. C. fimbriata f.sp. platani has also been isolated from four additional planes, displaying withering on crown, or sparse chlorotic foliage. The location of trees within the line and their health conditions are shown in Fig. 4.

Fig. 4- Location of Platanus hybrida trees in the “Tenuta Guazzaura” line. The health conditions of trees, as specified in the legend, is up dated to October 2003. Numbers in bold characters are ID numbers of trees. For each tree, remaining numbers refer to the number of months, calculated from July 2001, when first symptoms of canker-stain and death occurred, respectively. The figure also shows the location of trenches and root barriers 134 International Congress on the Trees of History

Starting for the first infection center, comprising the four trees died in July 2001 (ID 12, 13, 14, 15), the disease spread to tree number 16, 17, and 11. A second infection center appeared at least one year later at about 50 m far, and comprises trees number 4, 1, 3, and 6. Tree number 24 displayed canker-stain symptoms starting from March 2003, and it died in July 2003. Trees have been dying four to ten months after showing first canker-stain symptoms.

Investigations on root contacts and anastomoses between neighboring trees The number of roots increased with the increasing of distance from the collar of trees. On the other hand, regression analysis showed a negative relationship between mean diameter of roots and distance from the collar (Fig. 5). The regression line indicates that at 5.37 m from the collar the diameter of roots equals 0.

Fig. 5- Regression analysis between mean diameter of plane roots and theirdistanc from the collar of trees

Three root anastomoses, and 1 root contact between the two trees were noticed. Total surface was 590 cm2 and 80 cm2 for anastomoses and contacts, respectively.

Presence of C. fimbriata f.sp. platani in roots Clamydospores of C. fimbriata f.sp. platani were found on roots laying from 10 cm to 170 cm depth (Fig. 6), and the fungus was successfully isolated from three roots.

Fig. 6- Clamydospores of Ceratocystis fimbriata f.sp. platani inside xylem vessels of plane trees

Roots of 2 out of 3 of the investigated trees were infected. The percentage of infected roots from these trees was 14% and 28%. Evaluating the percentage of infected roots for roots included in three diameter classes (0-1, 1-2, and 2-3 cm) (Fig. 7), the maximum percentage of infected roots resulted in the highest diameter class (50%). Torino, April 1st - 2 nd, 2004 135

fig. 7- Percentage of infected roots for each of three root diameter classes

Attempts to control the epidemics within the line A total of 64 m2 of RootcontrolÒ barriers were unrolled. Since the moment when such barriers were placed into trenches, no further death has been occurring. The time last since that moment is however not sufficient to assess the effectiveness of such control measure, and thus the monitoring is ongoing.

Discussion The Tenuta Guazzaura at Serralunga di Crea represents a good site to study the epidemiology of Ceratocystis fimbriata f.sp. platani for three reasons: 1- canker-stain has never been reported previously in the area, 2- the historical line is at least 3 km far from the nearest plane trees, and 3-, as mentioned above, no pruning has been occurring for decades there. Two different, but not mutually exclusive, hypothesis may be formulated in order to explain how the fungus came, presumably in 2001, into the line: by infected wood traveling on the Asti-Mortara railway, and by “long-distance” animal vectors. Both insects and rodents are potential agents of spread for Ceratocystis species (Crone and Bachelder, 1961; Panconesi and Nembi, 1978). Woodpecker drilling holes rather than galleries of insects were noticed through surveys performed with an elevator in the plane trunks and branches at Serralunga. The role of woodpeckers as vectors for Ceratocystis should thus be taken into account for future studies. Three Ceratocystis infection centers are recognizable in the Guazzaura historical line, comprising four trees, three trees, and one tree, respectively. Root contact and anastomoses are likely to have played, as they can do (Accordi, 1986), an important role in the “short- distance” spread of the disease within the infection centers. It has been shown that both root contacts and root anastomoses are frequent between neighboring trees at Serralunga. Moreover, the fungus was present into the xylem vessels of roots. The spread of the disease between infection centers cannot be explained in terms of tree to tree spread of the fungus via root grafts. According to the regression curve presented in this study, the probability of root system overlapping would be negligible if two trees are at 12 m or more far from each other, while infected trees comprised into different infection centers are at least 40 m far from one another. Animals might have playied an important role also in short and medium distance transmission of the disease. Although further investigations are needed, we propose that animals living in the soil (i.e. rodents, insects) rather than birds or flying insects may account for short and medium distance fungal spread at Serralunga. The greater importance of soilborne vs airborne infection in the line is supported by the following observations: i) infected trees died suddenly (4 to 10 months after first symptoms display),ii ) xylem discoloration and cankers rarely developed on branches and, on the contrary, were commonly associated with basal portions of stems, and iii) in trees that became infected even though they were growing far away from any previously infected trees (i.e. tree n. 24), the fungus was isolated from the collar and not from the upper portions of the trees. Root barriers we used in the line, should be, at least in the theory, useful to prevent new infections in such a complex scenario, where the spread of the disease is likely originated either by root grafs / root contacts or by vectors living in the soil. We are now assessing the effectiveness of root barriers both in the laboratory and in the field, trough a periodic monitoring of the health status of trees. The Tenuta Guazzaura also represents a good site to test different methods to control unwanted spread of the fungus. For instance, we are 136 International Congress on the Trees of History now testing the effectiveness of the wood solarization and chemical treatments as possible methods to kill the pathogen into felled infected wood.

Acknowlegements This research has been supported by a grant of the Regione Piemonte – Assessorato Politiche per la Montagna, Foreste e Beni Ambientali. The authors are grateful to Dr Mario Palenzona for revising the text. We also thank Miss Ilenia Marafante, and the Servizio Fitosanitario Regionale for their help in performing field surveys.

Refefences Accordi M. S., 1986. Spread of Ceratocystis fimbriata f. platani through root anastomoses. Informatore Fitopatologico 36, 53-58. Crone L.J., Bachelder S., 1961. Insect transmission of canker stain fungus, Ceratocystis fimbriata f.sp. platani. Phytopathology 51, 576. Marchetti L., 2004. La difesa fitosanitaria delle piante ornamentali e forestali. Informatore Agrario 59, 89. Nicolotti G., Gonthier P., Cellerino G. P, 2001. Malattie delle principali specie arboree ornamentali. Informatore Fitopatologico 51, 21-26. Nicolotti G., Gonthier P., Pecollo D., 2004. Ecologia e grado di preferenza d’ospite dei funghi agenti di carie / I parte. Acer 1, 47-51. Panconesi A., Nembi V., 1978. La Ceratocystis fimbriata del platano: aspetti biologici e possibilità di lotta. Informatore Fitopatologico 28, 17-27. Vigouroux P.A., Stojadinovic B., 1990. Possibilités d’infection du platane par Ceratocystis fimbriata f. platani après contamination de l’eau où se développent des racines blessées. European Journal of Forest Pathology 20, 118-121. Torino, April 1st - 2 nd, 2004 137

DEFENSE OF THE MONUMENTAL TREES IN SPAIN B. Moya Sanchez Director of the Department of Conservation of Monumental Trees, Deputation de Valencia IMELSA – Spain

The juridical protection of the Natural, Historic, Cultural, Social patrimony such as the monumental trees and its outskirts, is the solution to guarantee their continuity and survival. Now the Spanish State has trasfered his Environment competence to the Autonomy- Communities; for this reason only they are responsable of this patrimony. But only few of the Autonomy-Communities have specific and efficienty giuridical protection on this matter so that ours monumental trees are threaten and subject to: - drastic pruning - innatural transplantation - urbanistic and industrial interest - agriculture trasformation of uncertain reason -arson - defect to phytosanitary control and conservation technique

With this desolating situation is our opinion that all Autonomy-communities should encrease their monumental trees protection by introducing the figure of the “Local interested tree”. In this way is more easy to protect end encrease the number of the monumental trees in local reality, and near to the people who lives in contat day by day, because they are ables to understand the social, cultural, historical importance of those trees as testimonial of their history and life. Most of our countries, for their environment and historical characteristic, has support the existence of large bio-diversity of autochthonous and allochthonous trees, that forms some parts of the woods, agricoltural cultivation and the ornamental vegetation of our cities. For this reason in the natural and urban ambient exist groups and botanic exemplaries with historical, cultural, social, scientific exceptional characteristics and with great value and local interest. This exemplary-list represent a irreplaceable trees patrimony that should be protected. Also they are point of interest with cultural, social, economics and educational function and point of start for diffuse the ambiental- sensibility , educational and the rispect of natural resorse with the promotion of sustainable development. The law 7/1985 “Reguardora de las Bases de Règimen Local” art. 25.2, par. d), e), f) e m) stated the rules for the protection of parks, gardens, historical and artistic patrimony, in order to declare directly protection to the trees, shurbs, palms or natural areas of Local interest that they consider important, without any others supervision or authorization. Based on this law, the Dipartiment of Monumental trees, Deputation of Valencia, has elaborate a specific “ Municipal Order for the Local Interest Trees Protection” . This Order is a list of rules where are defined, in a legal context: - the subject - the application - the validity - the interpretation - the system of catalogation - the rules for the trees and environment management - the specific techique for the conservation - the financing - the right and duty for the people and trees - the infraction and the sanction, according to the statal rules. This Municipal Order, adaptable to all Municipality, has been studied and adopted by a lot of Municipality of the comunity of Valencia, Andalusia, Castillia – La Mancha, Castilla Leon, Madrid, Extremandura, Andalusia. In this occasion we have a objective to diffuse this metodology of conservation with the aim of protection of the monumental trees with the partecipation of the people. The Dipartiment of Monumental Trees, Deputation of Valencia, is the only one recognized Dipartiment in Spain from more than ten years . During this time his has become a center of reference for the protection, management, recovery, promotion and valorization of the monumental trees in Spain. This experience has allowed us to understand and to face all the problems arised around the trees and their relation with the people. Recently, in last December, we have showed the first book that by a well defined and integral Spain cartography, describe our great biodiversity, his value and his state of preservation (J. Plumed, J. Moya and B. Moya, 2003) 138 International Congress on the Trees of History

MONUMENTAL TREES OF LIGURIA (NORTH-WESTERN ITALY) F. Russo(1), P. Du Jardin(1), G. Paola (2) (1) Regione Liguria, Dipartimento Agricoltura e Turismo, Servizio Politiche per l’Entroterra (2) Università di Genova, Dipartimento per lo Studio del Territorio e delle sue Risorse (DIPTERIS)

Introduction The Liguria Regional Council has issued a regional list of Monumental Trees (Liguria Regional Council Official Bulletin N° 15 of 10/04/2002, part II) according to Article 12 of Regional Law n° 4 of 22nd January 1999, “Norme in materia di foreste e di assetto idrogeologico” (Forestry and Geo-hydrological Regulations). The law regulates, for the first time in Liguria, the protection and recognition of the value of the region’s monumental trees, entering in a specific list “tree specimens, wherever rooted, that are of special naturalistic, environmental or historical and cultural interest for the Region”. It is important to point out that the protection afforded by this regional law covers not only particular forest trees but also agrarian and ornamental specimens. This is especially significant above all considering the history of Ligurian flora in general and in particular the urban flora. In this region, due to the morphology of the terrain and its specific climate, there is an unusual altitude-related distribution of forest species due to the extreme closeness of the mountains to the sea and to the ease with which plants originating from far-off countries become acclimatised.

Creation of the list of monumental trees of the liguria region The Regional Council has issued specific instructions for approving, keeping and up- dating the list of Monumental Trees of the Liguria Region. The work of searching for, conducting the census and describing the specimens started, in the first place, with the acquisition of existing material from Public Bodies, because both the Forestry Authorities and other public administrative bodies already kept lists of trees of special interest. A form was then prepared for reporting specimens, for use by local authorities (Provincial Councils, Mountain Communities, Municipal Councils, Park Authorities), associations of various types (environmental, cultural and so on), schools and scientific organisations and individuals. These forms can be used to provide information concerning either an isolated specimen or groups of plans believed to be of special interest. The survey methodology was then formulated, defining the assessment criteria and the parameters to be used. The task of identifying the specimens and collecting the data were entrusted to the Provincial Coordination Centres of the Forestry Corps. The first list of Monumental Trees of Liguria was approved on 26th February 2002, and subsequently up-dated (Official Bulletin part II n° 15 of 10/4/2002 and N° 20 of 14/5/2003). It contains 108 single specimens plus 11 rows or groups of plants.

Monumental trees of liguria The list of Monumental Trees includes very diverse plant typologies, bearing witness to the heterogeneous composition of the vegetation of Liguria. Alongside the commonest species, typical of the Ligurian woods, such as downy oaks, holm-oaks, beech trees and so on, and plants proper to the region’s rural heritage such as chestnut and olive trees, there are also ornamental and exotic species, situated mainly in urban environments, such as several species of palms. The most widespread indigenous monumental trees were found to be Quercus ilex L. (with 12 specimens listed), Quercus pubescens Willd. and Fagus sylvatica L. (11 specimens each). Other species of evergreen and deciduous oaks are also listed ( Quercus suber L., Quercus crenata Lam., Quercus petraea Matt.), although the number of specimens is decidedly lower, while there is no specimen of Quercus cerris, well represented nowadays above all in the eastern part of the region and mentioned extensively in Medieval and later documents also referred to central and western Liguria. These presences fit in well with the vegetation cover of the region and are, after all, the living memory of the vegetation of past centuries. The holm-oak is dominant along the Tyrrhenian coastal strip, thermophilous and mesophilous oak woods higher up on the slopes facing both the coast and towards the Po valley, and beech woods at yet higher altitudes on the Ligurian Apennines. The Alpine part of the mountains of western Liguria features the presence on the list of Larix decidua Mill. and Abies Alba Mill. The list also indicates indigenous species not frequently encountered nowadays in our woods, such as Taxus baccata L. (3 specimens in the central part of the region) and Tilia platyphyllos Scop. Two species proper to the region’s rural heritage occupy a special place: Olea europaea L. and Castanea sativa Miller. Only a few specimens of these Torino, April 1st - 2 nd, 2004 139 species are listed (4 and 5 respectively), in spite of the fact that they are both extremely widespread in Liguria and well-known for their longevity. With reference to the olive-tree, it is possible that the current scarcity of majestic specimens is due to the way in which it is managed on the terraced slopes of the Mediterranean coastal strip of Liguria paying the main attention to the best yield. As far as concerns the chestnut, the scarcity of veteran specimens can be attributed to the changes introduced in the management of chestnut woods following the arrival of chestnut ink and bark diseases. Exotic species play a considerable part in the overview of monumental trees in Liguria: all of 22 species indicated on the list do not belong to our own flora. Pinus pinea L. has also been included in this list, since it is not spontaneous in this region. As many as 10 pine-nut producing pines have been considered monumental, and almost all of these have an important role in the landscape. The only other pine on the list is a specimen of Pinus canariensis Smith, while there is no mention at all of either Pinus pinaster or Pinus halepensis, both extremely widespread nowadays in Ligurian woods. Although the highest trees in Liguria are above all exotic species, some indigenous species such as the beech find conditions enabling optimum development on our Apennines: Liriodendron tulipifera L. reaches 40 metres, Eucaliptus globulus Labill. 37 m, Fagus sylvatica L. 37 m, Pinus canariensis Smith 36 m, Cedrus atlantica Endl. 35 m, Picea excelsa Link. 34 m, Abies nordmanniana Spach. 32 m, Platanus orientalis L. 32 m, Cedrus libani A. Richard 30 m, Cupressus sempervirens L. 30 m, Populus nigra L. 30 m, Sequoia sempervirens Endl 30 m, Tilia platyphyllos Scop. 30 m. Some exotic species have become typical of the Ligurian landscape, in particular along the coast, such as the araucarias of Bordighera (Araucaria excelsa R.BR.) and palm trees. There are three species of palm on the list: Jubaea chilensis H.B.K., Phoenix reclinata Jacq., and Washingtonia filifera Wendl., the first two being rare and the last extremely common. The species of palms most common along the coast, Phoenix dactylifera and Phoenix canariensis, are not listed at all. Special links have developed over the centuries between trees and religious buildings. Indeed, many monumental trees grow near chapels, churches, abbeys or shrines. In these cases it can be said that the aesthetic and landscape value of the architectural complex is enhanced also by the presence of these living monuments of nature. The species most commonly found close to religious buildings are the cypress, found near the shrine of the Madonna di Reggio in Vernazza (La Spezia) or that of the Madonna di Soviore in Monterosso (La Spezia) and again near Borzone Abbey in Borzonasca (Genoa). Some of these trees are several centuries old, this being a peculiar feature of cypresses, which at times are of the same age as the nearby religious buildings. Another species often found near churches is the holm-oak, of which there are handsome specimens near the shrine of Our Lady of Lampedusa in the municipality of Castellaro (Imperia), near the churches of Santa Giulia in Lavagna (Genoa), of Santa Maria del Campo in Rapallo (Genoa), at the Montallegro shrine in Rapallo and again near the shrines of the Madonna di Reggio in Vernazza (La Spezia) and of the Madonna di Soviore in Monterosso (La Spezia). There are, however, also some less common species, such as the horse chestnut in front of the churches of Sant’ Agostino and of San Bernardino in Triora (Imperia), or the nettle- tree in Piazza San Michele in Diano Borello (IM). The maintenance and survival of these trees, now admired by us as monumental, may have been facilitated by various different situations. Specimens growing in anthropic environments, near religious buildings, in the gardens of stately homes, in public places and on squares, as well as those close to houses in rural environments enjoy the constant attention of people, who generally develop a special bond, often of affection, with them. As far as concerns large old trees growing in woods or fields, it can be supposed that they were very often maintained as signs for marking borders between estates, communities and sometimes even between states. This list of monumental trees of the Liguria Region is not exhaustive. It is intended, rather, as a starting point for improving knowledge of the vegetable wealth of the region and as a stimulus to encourage its careful management.

Bibliography PAOLA G., CICILIOT F., 1998 - Woodland management and timber supply for ship masts in eigtheenth century western Liguria (Italy), in Watkins C., European Woods and Forests: Studies in Cultural History, pp. 157-163. CAB International, Oxon - New York. PAOLA G., MINUTO L., 1994 - Indagine floristica sulle specie ornamentali nel verde pubblico della fascia costiera franco ligure. Giorn. Bot. Ital. 128: 381. 140 International Congress on the Trees of History

PAOLA G., MINUTO L., 1998 – Prime note sulle Palmae della Liguria. Medemia 1: 15-21, 1997. RUSSO F., DU JARDIN P., BELTRAMI F., RUZZEDDU G., PAOLA G., 2003 – Alberi di Liguria, monumenti viventi della natura. Regione Liguria, Assessorato alle Politiche per l’Agricoltura e l’Entroterra, Servizio Politiche per l’Entroterra, Assessorato al Territorio e Ambiente, Ufficio Parchi e Aree Protette, Corpo Forestale dello Stato Liguria, catalogo dei beni naturali n. 4, Erga Edizioni, Genova

Appendix Torino, April 1st - 2 nd, 2004 141 142 International Congress on the Trees of History Torino, April 1st - 2 nd, 2004 143 144 International Congress on the Trees of History

ON THE HEALTH OF A MONUMENTAL TREE OF FICUS MACROPHYLLA DESF. EX PERS. SUBSP. COLUMNARIS (C. MOORE) P. S. GREEN (SIN. = FICUS MAGNOLIOIDES BORZÌ VAR. MAGNOLIOIDES) IN PALERMO L. Torta, G. Zoida, S. Burruano Dipartimento S.En.Fi.Mi.Zo., Sezione di Patologia vegetale e Microbiologia agraria, Università degli Studi - Palermo

Introduction Some monumental trees of Ficus macrophylla Desf. ex Pers. subsp. columnaris (C. Moore) P. S. Green (sin. = Ficus magnolioides Borzì var. magnolioides; Fici and Raimondo, 1996) are present in many parks and gardens of Palermo; the species, belonging to the family of the Moraceae, originating from Australia, has been introduced into Europe in the early 19th, via Palermo (Botanical Garden), where they become estabilished. Currently, some secular monumental exemplars of stately dimensions (over 30 m of height and 40 of diameter of leafage), and good health conditions characterize the parks of Giardino Garibaldi (Fig. 1a, b), Villa Malfitano (Fig. 2), and Botanical Garden; nevertheless, since over one decade, on both young and old neighboring trees to the aforesaid exemplars, a slow but progressive decay was noted. Particularly, the plants initially show a slight apical defoliation with chlorosis and leaves small, evolving in an apical drying that can affect one or more branches, or the whole crown. Moreover, wood rot (white and brown, as well) in the trunk and in the principal branches are evident, and, at the same time, more or less widespread cancerous lesions, often with lactiferous flow, are present too. The first research on the etiology of such alteration and on the possible contamination from the damaged plants to the healthy ones, didn’t give any definite results, inducing to hypothesize the physiological origin of the decaying (Torta and Mondello, 1997). Recently, the decaying has also been noted in some ficus in the park of Villa Malfitano where is present one of the most interesting monumental specimen, together with secular and young trees. Therefore, a preliminary study has been started on three different trees: the first, the monumental specimen, showing occasionally in some branches an initial chlorosis, apical defoliation, and slight transparence in parts of the crown; the second tree, showing apical drying widespread to more branches (Fig.3a), and typical cancers; the last one, very damaged, with evident drying on branches and on the whole crown (Fig.3b), showing defoliation, frequent cancerous lesions (Fig. 4a) with red- brownish underlying tissues (Fig. 4b), and abundant lactiferous flow. Furthermore, in the first and third trees there were, both on the trunk and along the principal branches, evident white or brown wood rot. In this first step, our observations were aimed to determine the fungal community associated to the altered organs, pointing out the species that could be correlated to the lesions.

The Park of Villa Malfitano The Park of Villa Malfitano (belonging today to the Foundation Whitaker), was founded in 1886, for Giuseppe Whitaker’s will. Following the canons of the “Romantic Garden”, a rare collection of exotic plants, which most of them are still living, has been planted inside the park. The park, that occupies an area of over 4 Ha, today hosts about 250 species, most tropical and sub-tropical and some Mediterranean taxa such as leccio (Quercus ilex), tino (Fliburnum tinus) and colonies of dwarf palm (Chamaerops humilis). The peculiarity of the park, however, is the monumental specimen of F. macrophylla subsp. columnaris, planted in late 19th and today take an area of about 1.000 m2 (Raimondo, 1995)

Material and methods A branch showing different symptomatologies (wood rot, cancerous lesions, lactiferous flows, desiccation of branches, defoliation, leaves small and chlorosis) has been chosen and cut in several portions, for each tree. From each of these portions, some samples were taken, bagged in polyethylene sacks, and brought to the laboratory. The samples, after preliminary washing by tap water, were used for preparation of moist chambers and techniques of isolation. In this last case, the surface of samples have been previously sterilized, by immersion in aqueous solution of sodium hypochlorite at 5% for 5 minutes or by rapid flaming. Fragments of woody tissues in the marginal zone of the lesions, have been taken in sterile way, and put in Petri dishes containing universal medium (PDA); both these, and the moist chambers, were incubated at 21 °C. The pure cultures were identified on the base of their macro- and microscopic features, using taxonomic keys and atlas of identification (Barnett, 1965; Hawksworth et al., 1995). Torino, April 1st - 2 nd, 2004 145

Results and discussions The laboratory analysis showed a certain biodiversity inside the fungal community related to the different symptomatologies, as reported in TAB 1. Particularly, colonies of Rhizoctonia spp., Gliocladium spp., Alternaria spp., Trichoderma spp., Stemphylium spp., etc, ubiquitary saprotrophyc microorganisms or weak pathogens, grown both in moist chambers and on PDA. Colonies belonging to genus Cytosporella (Fig. 5) were the most frequently isolated: numerous strains, in fact, were constantly connected to the apical drying and, on the second tree, to all the different symptomatologies. Since some species of Cytosporella are known like primary or secondary agents of dryings of the branches on different forest trees, like pine (C. damnosa; Goidanich, 1964) and poplar (C. populi; Stefanov et al., 1961), it is possible to consider such fungus implicated in manifestation of the alteration. Relatively to the most declining specimen sample inside fungal community of the cancerous lesions of the xylematic necrosis and wood rot, have recurrently revealed the presence of strains of Verticillium spp. and Fusarium spp., fungal genera well-known as tracheomycotic agents. Further pathogenecity tests on healthy plants will allow to define the possible role of Cytosporella spp. on the manifestation of the apical drying of F. magnioloides subsp. columnaris and, in particular, of the monumental tree. The observations on the fungal community associated to the different symptomatologies, compared to results obtained from the most declining specimens, could give useful indications on the interaction between the most recurrent taxa and the development of the decline.

Tab.1: Fungal genera associated to the lesions of the three specimens of Ficus macrophylla subsp. columnaris (Villa Malfitano, PA)

ab

Fig. 1 - An asymptomatic monumental tree of F. macrophylla ssp. columnaris in Giardino Garibaldi in Palermo: a) crown; b)trunk with columnar and tabular roots 146 International Congress on the Trees of History

Fig. 2 - The monumental tree of F. macrophylla ssp. columnaris in Villa Malfitano (specimen 1), showing a slight transparence in the crown.

a b

Fig. 3 - Different stages of the decline of F. macrophylla ssp. columnaris: a) apical drying widespread in some branches; b)evident drying of the whole crown

ab

Fig. 4 - Xylematic alterations detected during the observations: a)cancers; b) reddish, brownish, and necrosis of the tissues Torino, April 1st - 2 nd, 2004 147

Fig. 5 - Pure colony of Cytosporella sp., isolated from apical drying of F. macrophylla ssp. columnaris; in the frame, section of a pycnidia formed in black, irregular stroma (bar = 50 µm)

References Barnett, 1965: Illustrated Genera of Imperfect Fungi. Burgess Publishing Company, Minneapolis; Fici S., Raimondo F.M., 1996: On the real identity of Ficus magniolioides. Curtis’s Botanical Magazine, 13, 105-107; Hawksworth D.L., Kirk P.M., Sutton B.C., Pegler D.N., 1995: Ainsworth & Bisby’s Dictionary of the fungi, 8th ed. International Mycological Institute, CAB International, University Press, Wallingford, UK; Goidanich G., 1964: Manuale di Patologia vegetale, Vol. II. Edagricole, Bologna, 928; Raimondo F.M., 1995: The Garden of Villa Malfitano, Giuseppe Witaker’s Foundation, Palermo; Stefanov D., Zashev B., Tsanova Mme P. 1961: Brown sap-flow and some fungi on stems and branches of Poplars in the People’s Repubblic of Bulgaria. Nauch. Trud. vissh. Lesotekh. Inst., Sofiya, 9, 143-156. In R.A.M. 1963, 42, 577; Torta L., Mondello V., 1997: Osservazioni sullo stato fitosanitario di Ficus magnolioides Borzì var. magnolioides nella città di Palermo. Atti III Congresso Europeo di Arboricoltura; II Giornate Meranesi dell’Albero. Merano, 14-16/05/1997. 148 International Congress on the Trees of History

THE IMPACT OF RESISTOGRAPH ON TREE DECAY A. Toussaint, JP. Baudoin, B. Campanella, Pr. R. Paul Unit of Tropical crop husbandry and Horticulture, FUSAGx Laboratory for environmental Toxicology, FUSAGx

Acknowledgements This work was founded by the Ministry of the Walloon Region (Belgium), G.D. for Natural Resources and Environment and G.D. for Employment and Training. We also thank F.N.R.S. for its financial contribution

Summary People in charge of ‘green heritage are even more frequently asked for objective information about future of street or park trees showing signs of decay. Generally, these are needed for insurance or security reasons. Resistograph is one of the most commonly used tools in establishing rapid diagnostic. It is easy to use, affordable for most of public authorities and resistogram is a visual proof of the analyses. Nevertheless, in some cases, this tool may induce side effects that are not negligible. This study on Tilia sp. shows a four fold increased spread of heart rot in the wood crossed by the resistograph needle. If lignolytic fungi attack trees, one can fear a faster disease spread inside trunk and/or branches but also a possible transport from tree to tree if needles are not properly disinfected. As a consequence, this invasive technique has to be used only when necessary, and not systematically.

Introduction In 1992, 280 roadside trees (Tilia cordata and T. europea) were drastically pruned. During the next ten years, numerous sprouts were produced (Toussaint et al. 2002). New intervention was necessary to avoid that natural selection led to branch fall. In 2002, experimentation was started to test the efficiency of several soil treatments in increasing vitality, but also to assess the problems of wounds and cavities. Numerous 10 years old wounds are now presenting rots and cavities. Another important problem is the infection of old injuries by decay fungi (Ganoderma sp. and Ustulina sp.). In the frame of stability diagnostic, resistograph was used to precisely measure the extension of decay. People in charge of ‘green heritage’ are even more frequently asked for objective information about future of street or park trees showing signs of decay. Generally, these are needed for insurance or security reasons. Resistograph is one of the most commonly used tools in establishing rapid diagnostic. In our study, diagnostic was realized for urban authorities and it was recommended to cut 3 trees down for security reasons. After this, trees were divided in sections and the extent of decay was observed to confirm diagnostic.

Results Decaying tree was firstly pointed out following the VTA method (Betghe and Mattheck 1993). Three clear symptoms were: •The crown heterogeneity. In addition to the severe crown disorganization due to over pruning, this tree showed one half of dying branches (strongly reduced foliage, small and chlorotic leaves when present). •The progressive decay of bark at trunk base. •The presence of heart rot fruit body (Ganoderma sp) at trunk base and 120 cm. At this level, an old bark wound (15 x 25 cm) has not been overlaid by wound wood.

Six measurements were realized with Resistograph IML-Resi F-400 at trunk base and 120 cm. Data were processed according to a method described previously (Campanella et al. 2003). Following the localization of weakened zones in the 6 directions, an estimation of fungus extension in the trunk was presented to local authorities to traduce the risk associated with this tree (figure 1). After tree cutting down, two major observations were made: • Extension of the discolored zone and the fungus is more important than postulated after resistograph measurements. It is particularly true in the direction of measurements 1,2 and 3. This could be partly due to heart rot progress during 4 months. Data processing could also be improved. Particularly, it would be important to better distinguish weakened wood limits. Moreover, fungus activity is not directly traduced by a decrease in wood density. Torino, April 1st - 2 nd, 2004 149

• Impact of measurements 2 and 3 are visible. Locally, where new injuries occurred, the discolored zone is more extended (figure 2).

Figure 1: scheme of 6 measurements with resistograph Figure 2: discolored zone following at trunk base (—%: correct density; ---: weakened or resistograph measurement in amorphous wood). Fungi fruit bodies are shown in transversal (above) black, estimated decaying zone in pale gray and the and longitudinal (below) section observed decaying zone in dark gray

Two wood samples were taken to describe the extension of reaction zone in the 3 dimensions. Polyphenol accumulation was also visible under microscope. This accumulation occurs in vessels as well as parenchymatic rays. Wood chips were taken, discolored with oxygen peroxide and treated with acidic fushine to stain fungal hyphae. No trace of fungus was identified in the discolored zone.

Table 1 : dimensions of reaction zones in the two samples

Dimensions of the neo-formed reaction zone are slightly different between the two samples (table 1). Compartmentalization is more efficient in the tangential direction (e) than in the longitudinal one (a, c), which is consistent with CODIT model (Shigo, 1989). In this particular case, the extent of reaction zone is 4 fold increased after drilling. It must also be mentioned that wall 4 of the CODIT model has been broken by the fungus. No wall was detected by resistograph measurements.

Conclusion In this particular case, resistograph was useful to complete diagnostic and demonstrate the importance of decay. Nevertheless, intrusive measurement will have consequences on fungus development. After 4 months, reaction zone has normally developed around the hole. Even if fungus has not been detected in the hole, its radial growth will certainly be easier. It is then important to know that the use of resistograph could accelerate the process of wood decay. Moreover, the even more common practice of systematic resistograph use should be avoided as some trees showing cavities could be remained in place if the decay was efficiently contained. Systematic measurements realized in cities could accelerate the decay of street 150 International Congress on the Trees of History trees. These observations confirm suspected phenomenon, but it is, as far as we know, the first time that it is quantified in lime tree. Another well-recognized risk is the fungus transport from trees to trees if needles aren’t disinfected. Current experimentations are designed to measure the progressive development of fungi in the hole and tree reaction after drilling (evolution of reaction zone with time and kinetic of wound cover). These observations are realized mainly on lime trees infected by various rots.

References Betghe, K. and C. Mattheck (1993). VTA - Visual Tree defect Assessment and related testing methods. 9th Int. Meet. Non-Destructive Testing., Madison, USA. Campanella, B., A. Toussaint, et al. (2003). “Amélioration de l’interprétation des données fournies par le résistographe pour la gestion d’arbres d’alignement. 1 : le cas du tilleul.” Arbres et Sciences 9. Shigo, A. (1989). Tree pruning: a worldwide photo guide for the proper pruning of trees. Durham, A. Shigo, ed., 187p. Toussaint, A., V. Kervyn, et al. (2002). “Analyse de l’impact physiologique et économique de l’élagage des arbres d’alignement en port libre.” Biotechnol. Agron. Soc. Environ. 6(2): 99-107. Regioni 152 International Congress on The Trees of History Torino, April 1st - 2 nd, 2004 153

IL VALORE STORICO, CULTURALE E PAESAGGISTICO DEGLI ALBERI GLI ALBERI MONUMENTALI B. Sara’

Dovendo intervenire in un convegno che tratta in modo approfondito e scientifico i temi e le problematiche degli alberi, alla presenza di molti ed illustri competenti in materia, credo sia necessario, innanzi tutto, confessare di non sentirmi e non essere un “addetto ai lavori” nonostante gli uffici del Settore di cui sono responsabile si occupino anche di Alberi Monumentali. Avrei delle grosse difficoltà a parlare scientificamente o quantomeno come esperto di alberi. Io mi ritengo, innanzitutto, un “ utente” degli alberi, uno dei tanti che dagli alberi traggono sensazioni, emozioni, stati d’animo, direi, in ultima analisi, giovamento. Chi, d’altro canto, oltre a usufruire dei benefici effetti prodotti dagli alberi, sulle qualità fisiche dell’ambiente in cui vive, non prova, anche se molte volte a livello inconscio, piacevoli sensazioni di pace, di tranquillità, di antica maestosità a seconda che si soffermi sotto un gruppo di alberi o si trovi in un bosco ? Chi non si stupisce della loro forza vitale quando gli capita di vedere alberi che tentano di svilupparsi e di crescere nelle situazioni più ostili, tra le crepe di un muro o annegati in lastricati di cemento ? Esiste poi un aspetto degli alberi che mi affascina particolarmente, probabilmente per deformazione professionale: la loro “architettura”. Suscita sempre un grande stupore soffermarsi ad ammirare l’architettura degli alberi ovviamente, a maggior ragione, se si tratta di alberi di più antico impianto e di più rilevanti dimensioni, architettura a volte imponente, severa, a volte leggera, elegante, che pur avendo ragioni assolutamente scientifiche raggiunge, in molti casi perfezioni e ritmi che sembrano rigorosamente studiati per ottenere, con ricercate simmetrie o volute casualità, risultati estetici di grande effetto. Sempre per una deformazione professionale, dovuta ai miei trascorsi di urbanista, vorrei ricordare anche l’importanza degli alberi e delle alberate nel disegno della città. Basti pensare a quello che rappresentano nel contesto cittadino i viali, soprattutto i viali storici, monumentali (come spesso si trovano nelle città europee, non ultima Torino che è caratterizzata da numerosi viali monumentali le cui alberature, per altro, sono già vincolate) sia che essi attraversino il centro urbano o che lo perimetrino. Ben difficilmente il viale è solo un luogo di transito veicolare. In genere il viale è anche un luogo di passeggio, di sosta, di incontro, di socializzazione. Un luogo di cui hanno usufruito intere generazioni, che appartiene alla memoria collettiva, che entra a far parte della storia della città, un luogo che non solo evoca ricordi negli abitanti ma che caratterizza la città nella memoria dei visitatori. A questo proposito mi pare di poter affermare, dopo aver esaminato numerosi Piani Regolatori di città di ogni dimensione, che oggi, troppo spesso ci si dimentica della insostituibile funzione degli alberi. Al di là di insignificanti giardinetti, nati più dalla necessità di assolvere obblighi legislativi che non da un preciso disegno urbano, ben difficilmente nei contesti urbani di nuova edificazione o di nuovo impianto sono stati previsti o vengono previsti spazi verdi con significative masse arboree o, tanto meno, viali che, potendosi chiamare tali e per lunghezza e per caratteristiche, ne connotino, oggi e negli anni futuri, l’immagine. Tralasciando altre possibili riflessioni, credo che molte volte la presenza degli alberi, quali elementi del paesaggio non solo agricolo ma anche urbano, e, in ultima analisi, la loro insostituibile funzione per migliorare la qualità della vita sia decisamente sottovalutata; anche perché la fretta e l’abitudine sovente ci impediscono di percepirne appieno e di valorizzarne la silenziosa presenza. È quindi necessario che si parli di alberi. Ed è in questo senso che mi sembrano particolarmente utili le azioni che ha inteso portare avanti la Regione Piemonte ed in particolare l’Assessorato alle Politiche per la Montagna, Foreste e Beni Ambientali: sia promuovendo il dibattito scientifico e lo scambio di esperienze, soprattutto sul tema della conservazione e della cura del patrimonio arboreo esistente, sia producendo e distribuendo materiale divulgativo di più immediata e generale comprensione al fine di richiamare l’attenzione degli abitanti del Piemonte ed in particolare dei ragazzi (vedasi il CD “Alberi Monumentali del Piemonte”) sulle tematiche degli alberi e sugli aspetti storici e sociali che ad essi possono essere collegati. Infatti ritengo importante, da un lato, suscitare l’interesse ed educare i cittadini a riconoscere l’importanza degli alberi, incominciando proprio da quelli che, dal punto di vista storico e/o paesaggistico, costituiscono, per così dire, gli episodi più significativi presenti sul 154 International Congress on The Trees of History territorio regionale e, d’altro lato, adottare strumenti per la loro tutela affinché quest’ultima non venga interpretata come un’imposizione calata dell’alto ma divenga invece un’esigenza condivisa, frutto di un pensiero comune che identifica l’oggetto della tutela come un patrimonio dell’intera collettività. In questo senso è stata emanata ed è gestita la Legge Regionale n° 50 del 3 aprile 1995 che promuove “il censimento, la tutela e la valorizzazione di alberi, filari e alberate di alto pregio naturalistico e storico del Piemonte” ovvero la Legge sui, così detti, “Alberi Monumentali”., Volendo illustrare, per sommi capi, i contenuti e le azioni che la Legge in questione intende attuare è necessario, innanzi tutto, chiarire cosa si intenda per Alberi Monumentali:

· gli alberi che per età o dimensioni possono essere considerati come esempi unici di maestosità o longevità; · gli alberi che hanno un preciso riferimento ad eventi o memorie rilevanti dal punto di vista storico o culturale; · filari e alberate di particolare pregio paesaggistico, monumentale, storico-culturale, comprese quelle inserite nei centri urbani.

Partendo dalla giusta considerazione che un’effettiva tutela, quindi una tutela mirata e non generica, debba necessariamente basarsi su di una puntuale conoscenza dei beni da salvaguardare, la Legge 50/95 promuove, innanzi tutto, il censimento degli Alberi Monumentali, invitando, in un’ottica di massima partecipazione, i Cittadini, gli Organi e gli Enti Pubblici o le Associazioni a segnalare l’esistenza di tutti quegli esemplari che per le loro peculiarità potrebbero essere definiti tali. Tale censimento è stato di fatto avviato nel settembre 1999 con l’invio, a tutti i Comuni, alle Associazioni interessate e agli Enti preposti alla tutela, di una circolare con la quale li si invitava ad attivarsi per effettuare le segnalazioni e nello stesso tempo li si informava della avvenuta costituzione della “Commissione Tecnica per la tutela e la valorizzazione degli alberi, filari ed alberate monumentali” prevista dalla Legge in questione. La Commissione è presieduta dall’Assessore ai Beni Ambientali e Paesaggistici (attualmente è quindi presieduta dall’Assessore Roberto Vaglio) e di essa fanno parte l’Assessore ai Beni Culturali o un suo rappresentante, un rappresentante dell’IPLA (Istituto per le Piante da Legno e l’Ambiente), un rappresentante della Soprintendenza ai Beni Ambientali ed Archeologici del Piemonte, un rappresentante del Corpo Forestale dello Stato e un Rappresentante della Facoltà di Scienze Forestali dell’Università di Torino. Successivamente, la Giunta Regionale ha ancora adottato la metodologia di rilevazione e la Scheda di identificazione necessarie per predisporre il censimento, elaborate dalla Commissione. Su tali schede vengono riportati, non solo la descrizione dell’albero o degli alberi segnalati, le loro caratteristiche fisiche, il loro stato di salute, ma anche notizie sulla loro storia, sul loro rapporto con l’ambiente e con la cultura locale. Vorrei aprire una parentesi per sottolineare ancora quest’aspetto che mi pare particolarmente significativo ovvero la volontà del legislatore e quindi dell’Assessorato di tutelare l’ “oggetto albero” non solo per il suo interesse botanico, ma anche perché parte integrante di quel patrimonio d’elementi che caratterizzano un luogo dal punto di vista paesaggistico e che ne costituiscono le radici storiche e culturali. Le proposte di vincolo vengono quindi trasmesse alla Commissione Alberi Monumentali che le valuta e decide con parere obbligatorio e vincolante quali, tra gli alberi segnalati, abbiano le caratteristiche per essere inclusi nell’elenco degli alberi monumentali e, come tali, essere oggetto di vincolo. A questo punto inizia l’iter procedurale che vede impegnati gli Uffici del Settore Beni Ambientali (convocazione dei Sindaci dei comuni interessati, atti di deposito, pubblicazione e pubblicizzazione, raccolta osservazioni, ecc ) che si concludono con la formalizzazione del vincolo da parte della Giunta Regionale, iter procedurale che come tutte quelli preordinati all’imposizione di vincoli, non è né breve né facile e che si conclude con le notifiche ai possessori e l’affissione del provvedimento all’Albo Pretorio. Altra particolarità importante della Legge è che prevede che vengano erogati contributi per la cura ordinaria e straordinaria degli alberi considerati monumentali e che la Giunta Regionale possa promuovere iniziative per la loro valorizzazione. A tal fine la Giunta Regionale, in ogni esercizio finanziario, dispone l’assegnazione al Settore Beni Ambientali di un budget di spesa per la promozione, il finanziamento degli interventi sostitutivi e per la valorizzazione dei siti arborei. Questo Budget si aggira mediamente, su base annua e a seconda delle effettive disponibilità , intorno ai 250/500.000 Euro. A questo proposito ritengo utile segnalare che la Regione Piemonte ha ritenuto di intervenire Torino, April 1st - 2 nd, 2004 155 direttamente e con propri mezzi economici e professionali nell’esecuzione degli interventi di cura delle alberature sollevando quindi i comuni o i privati da qualsiasi tipo di defatigante procedura burocratica nell’assegnazione degli incarichi e di responsabilità nella fase operativa potendo la Regione stessa garantire l’alta professionalità degli operatori tramite l’affidamento degli incarichi all’Istituto per le Piante da Legno e l’Ambiente e all’Università sulla base di un programma annuale d’intervento. Il 30.12.2002 si è finalmente giunti all’approvazione del primo elenco degli alberi monumentali costituito da cinque esemplari. Attualmente sono in fase di completamento le procedure per il riconoscimento di altri diciotto alberi monumentali mentre per cinque alberi è stato affidato un incarico al corpo Forestale dello Stato per l’acquisizione della documentazione tecnica necessaria per iniziare le procedure di vincolo. Vorrei citarne almeno alcuni per dare un’idea di come tali alberi siano esemplari che suscitano stupore per le loro caratteristiche, siano di antica o antichissima origine e abbiano, come si diceva prima, attraversato intere generazioni entrando, a pieno titolo, nella storia e nelle leggende dei paesi in cui sono collocati:

- il “Frassino di Moncenisio”, posto sulla Piazza Parrocchiale del paese, la cui età è valutata in circa 500 anni, simbolo della montagna e dalla sua storia;. - il “Tiglio di Macugnaga” che potrebbe avere addirittura dai 685 ai 887 anni se, come vuole la tradizione, è coevo della vicina chiesa. Sotto la sua chioma si dice si radunasse un tempo il consiglio comunale; - il “Platano di Napoleone” posto lungo la strada che da Alessandria portava a Marengo e sotto il quale, si dice, si sia soffermato Napoleone nel giugno del 1800 dopo la famosa battaglia di Marengo; - l’imponente Cedro di Montalenghe, di circa 13 mt. di circonferenza e 36 mt. di altezza, la cui età si aggira intorno ai 350 anni e che risulta essere uno dei più grandi e vecchi cedri d’Italia.(vincolo in itinere) - il bellissimo “Tasso di Cavandone”situato nell’omonima frazione di Pallanza, di 3,6 mt. di circonferenza e 26 mt. di altezza, che con i suoi 450 anni e il tronco contorto e possente è una vera opera d’arte della natura.

Da questi pochi esempi, è evidente quindi l’interesse scientifico, storico e culturale che gli alberi monumentali suscitano. Ma occorre dire che a questi interessi se ne possa aggiungere un altro: quello turistico. Quest’ultimo, se opportunamente incentivato e sfruttato potrebbe costituire per alcuni dei Comuni interessati un valore aggiunto non trascurabile, sull’esempio, per altro, di quanto accade in altre nazioni a noi vicine nelle quali episodi anche meno significativi vengono regolarmente segnalati ed enfatizzati su tutte le guide turistiche. Ritornando un attimo al tema più generale dell’utilizzo degli alberi e delle alberature, mi sia concesso concludere con una brevissima annotazione connessa al mio attuale incarico nel Settore Gestione Beni Ambientali, Settore che si occupa di verificare il corretto inserimento ambientale degli interventi che ricadono in ambiti vincolati e nei cui uffici quindi transitano quotidianamente progetti di ogni genere. Gli alberi, in molti casi, possono avere un’importanza assolutamente non trascurabile nella progettazione; gli alberi, se attentamente “progettati” sia per posizionamento che per tipo, si integrano nel progetto stesso, lo completano, lo valorizzano e, per così dire, lo arredano. Purtroppo, questa grossa potenzialità non sempre è percepita correttamente dai progettisti. Non ultimo, gli alberi sono una potente medicina per l’architettura quando l’architettura è malata. Laddove il prodotto architettonico è discutibile, né esistono ragionevoli speranze di migliorarlo, spesso non rimane che un’ultima soluzione: prescrivere la messa a dimora di gruppi o filari di alberi che con la loro naturale bellezza riescono, quasi a stendere un velo sui peccati dell’architettura. 156 International Congress on The Trees of History

1° ELENCO degli ALBERI MONUMENTALI (D.G.R. n. 37 8157 del 30.12.2002) Torino, April 1st - 2 nd, 2004 157

ALBERI MONUMENTALI con procedimento in corso per l’apposizione del vincolo (fase di pubblicazione) 158 International Congress on The Trees of History

ALBERI MONUMENTALI con procedimento avviato (fase di ulteriore accertamento delle caratteristiche)

Consiglio regionale del Piemonte

Legge regionale 3 aprile 1995, n. 50. Tutela e valorizzazione degli alberi monumentali, di alto pregio naturalistico e storico, del Piemonte. (B.U. 12 aprile 1995, n. 15)

Art. 1. (Finalita’) 1. La Regione Piemonte individua, in attuazione dell’articolo 5 dello Statuto gli alberi, i filari e le alberate monumentali, di interesse paesaggistico-ambientale e storico-culturale presenti sul territorio regionale e ne promuove la tutela e la valorizzazione. 2. Sono inclusi nella competenza della presente legge anche gli alberi, i filari e le alberate gia’ sottoposti a vincolo di tutela da parte della legislazione regionale e nazionale.

Art. 2. (Definizione) 1. Ai fini della presente legge sono considerati alberi, filari ed alberate monumentali di interesse storico-culturale e ambientale-paesaggistico: a) alberi isolati o facenti parte di formazioni boschive naturali o artificiali che per eta’ o dimensioni possono essere considerati come rari esempi di maestosita’ o longevita’; b) alberi che hanno un preciso riferimento ad eventi o memorie rilevanti dal punto di vista storico o culturale; c) filari ed alberate di particolare pregio paesaggistico, monumentale, storico-culturale, ivi comprese quelle inserite nei centri urbani.

Art. 3. (Censimento) 1.La Giunta Regionale, entro sessanta giorni dalla approvazione della presente legge adotta, con propria deliberazione, la metodologia di rilevazione ed una scheda di identificazione allo scopo di predisporre il censimento degli alberi, dei filari e delle alberate monumentali di interesse paesaggistico-ambientale e storico-culturale. 2. Il censimento deve raccogliere in particolare dati ed informazioni relativi a: a) localizzazione; b) proprieta’; c) caratteristiche floristiche e dendrometriche; d) descrizione delle caratteristiche monumentali o storico-culturali o paesaggistico-ambientali che motivano l’inclusione nel censimento; e) condizioni fitosanitarie, vulnerabilita’, rischi ed eventuali interventi necessari per garantire la conservazione. Torino, April 1st - 2 nd, 2004 159

3. Singoli cittadini, Organi ed Enti pubblici o Associazioni possono segnalare alla Giunta Regionale l’esistenza di alberi, filari o alberate aventi le caratteristiche descritte all’articolo 2. 4. La Giunta Regionale sentito il parere obbligatorio e vincolante della Commissione Tecnica di cui all’articolo 4, predispone ed aggiorna periodicamente l’Elenco degli alberi, dei filari e delle alberate monumentali, di interesse paesaggistico-ambientale e storico-culturale della Regione Piemonte, che viene pubblicato integralmente sul Bollettino Ufficiale della Regione Piemonte. 5. Gli alberi, i filari e le alberate inseriti in tale elenco devono essere individuati negli strumenti urbanistici comunali ai sensi dell’articolo 24 della legge regionale 5 dicembre 1977, n. 56. 6. L’inclusione nell’elenco di cui al comma 4 comporta, ai sensi dell’articolo 9 della L.R. 56/ 1977 l’istituzione del vincolo di cui alla legge 29 giugno 1939, n. 1497 sulla protezione delle bellezze naturali e panoramiche.

Art. 4. (Commissione tecnica per la tutela e la valorizzazione degli alberi, filari ed alberate monumentali)

1. È istituita la Commissione Tecnica per la tutela e la valorizzazione degli alberi, filari ed alberate monumentali. 2. La Commissione e’ composta da: a) Assessore ai Beni ambientali e paesaggistici o suo delegato con funzioni di Presidente; b) Assessore ai Beni culturali o suo delegato; c) rappresentante dell’Istituto per le piante da legno e l’ambiente (I.P.L.A.); d) rappresentante della Soprintendenza per i beni ambientali ed architettonici del Piemonte; e) rappresentante del Corpo Forestale dello Stato; f) rappresentante della Facolta’ di Scienze Forestali dell’Universita’ di Torino. Svolge le funzione di Segretario della Commissione un funzionario del Settore Beni ambientali e paesaggistici della Regione nominato con decreto del Presidente della Giunta Regionale. La Commissione e’ validamente costituita quando sia stata nominata la maggioranza dei suoi membri. 3. La Commissione formula parere obbligatorio e vincolante alla Giunta Regionale in merito alla inclusione nell’elenco di cui all’articolo 3 degli alberi, filari e alberate di cui e’ stata predisposta la scheda di identificazione. 4.La Commissione esprime inoltre parere in ordine ai finanziamenti per gli interventi di cura ordinaria e straordinaria, nonche’ di valorizzazione di cui agli articoli 5 e 6. 5. La Commissione esprime altresi’ parere obbligatorio e vincolante sull’eventuale abbattimento degli alberi, filari e alberate inclusi nell’Elenco di cui all’articolo 3. 6.La Commissione si riunisce su convocazione del Presidente, su richiesta dell’Assessore dei Beni ambientali e paesaggistici o dell’Assessore ai Beni culturali, o su richiesta di almeno un terzo dei suoi componenti. 7.Le riunioni della Commissione sono valide con la partecipazione della maggioranza assoluta dei componenti. 8.La Commissione dura in carica cinque anni e scade con lo scioglimento del Consiglio Regionale. Essa svolge la sua attivita’ finche’ non siano insediati i nuovi componenti. 9.Ai membri della Commissione spettano per ogni riunione i gettoni di presenza e le eventuali indennita’ di rimborso spese previste dalla vigenti leggi regionali in materia.

Art. 5. (Interventi di cura ordinaria e straordinaria)

1.La Regione Piemonte eroga contributi per la cura ordinaria e straordinaria degli alberi, dei filari e delle alberate inclusi nell’elenco di cui all’articolo 3. 2.Gli interventi di cui al comma 1 sono eseguiti dai proprietari o dagli aventi diritto, su richiesta propria o della Regione Piemonte, a seguito di parere obbligatorio e vincolante di un esperto nominato dalla Giunta Regionale. 160 International Congress on The Trees of History

Art. 6. (Interventi di valorizzazione)

1. La Giunta Regionale, anche su istanza dei proprietari o degli aventi diritto, puo’ promuovere iniziative di valorizzazione degli alberi, filari ed alberate inclusi nell’elenco di cui all’articolo 3, al fine di divulgarne la conoscenza ed il significato della tutela, nonche’ per migliorare il contesto territoriale ed ambientale circostante.

Art. 7. (Norme finanziarie)

1. Agli oneri necessari per il conseguimento dei fini di cui alla presente legge, valutati in lire 20 milioni per l’anno finanziario 1995, si provvede mediante una riduzione di pari ammontare, in termini di competenza e di cassa, del capitolo 15190 dello stato di previsione della spesa per l’anno finanziario 1995 e mediante l’istituzione, nello stato di previsione medesimo, di apposito capitolo con la denominazione “Spese per la tutela e la valorizzazione degli alberi, dei filari e delle alberate di interesse monumentale” e con lo stanziamento di competenza e di cassa di lire 20 milioni. 2. Il Presidente della Giunta Regionale e’ autorizzato ad apportare, con proprio decreto, le occorrenti variazioni di bilancio. Torino, April 1st - 2 nd, 2004 161

IL CENSIMENTO E LA GESTIONE DEGLI ALBERI MONUMENTALI: L’ESPERIENZA DELLA REGIONE LOMBARDIA P. Lenna, G. Galasso Regione Lombardia - Direzione Generale Qualità dell’Ambiente - Struttura Azioni per la Gestione delle Aree Protette e la Difesa della Biodiversità - Milano (MI) Italia

Premessa La Lombardia, regione densamente popolata e ad alto indice di sviluppo, tra le prime in Europa per tasso di occupazione e reddito, conserva ancora gioielli naturali di altissimo valore nonché scorci di paesaggio legati al passato e alle tradizioni dell’uomo. Un patrimonio che, vent’anni fa, la Regione Lombardia ha deciso di salvaguardare attraverso l’istituzione dei Parchi regionali, delle Riserve e Monumenti naturali e dei Parchi locali di interesse sovracomunale. Un sistema di pianificazione territoriale che ha consentito di gestire con forme differenziate di tutela più del 20% del territorio e che, oggi, costituisce la solida base della rete ecologica lombarda, inserita nella più vasta strategia di conservazione della natura in Europa. La Regione Lombardia è stata la prima in Italia a istituire un Assessorato all’Ecologia, nell’ormai lontano 1970, e anche con la sua attività legislativa in materia di parchi e riserve ha svolto un ruolo pionieristico. Già nel 1973, con la legge regionale n. 58 ha posto sotto tutela biotopi e geotopi di interesse naturalistico e scientifico e ha dato l’avvio alla istituzione dei primi parchi (Ticino, 1974; Nord Milano, 1975; Groane, 1976 e Colli di Bergamo (1977). Dieci anni più tardi è stata approvata la legge regionale 86/1983 “Piano regionale delle aree regionali protette. Norme per l’istituzione e la gestione delle riserve, dei parchi e dei monumenti naturali nonché delle aree di particolare rilevanza naturale e ambientale”, ben 8 anni in anticipo sulla normativa nazionale (l. 394/1991). Da alcuni anni il sistema lombardo delle aree protette è ancora più articolato. La Regione Lombardia ha infatti avviato nuove forme di tutela del territorio in base alle ultime direttive comunitarie in materia di habitat e specie. Al 31 dicembre 2003 il sistema risultava così articolato: · 1 Parco nazionale; · 21 Parchi regionali; · 4 Parchi naturali; · 60 Riserve naturali; · 27 Monumenti naturali; · 45 Parchi locali di interesse sovracomunale; · 176 Siti di importanza comunitaria (di cui 85 già approvati dalla Comunità Europea); · 8 Zone di Protezione Speciale. Le azioni di tutela riguardano però non solo le aree protette ma l’intero territorio regionale, grazie al coinvolgimento di tutti i soggetti istituzionalmente preposti (Comuni, Comunità montane e Province) e alla sempre maggior sensibilità e disponibilità del mondo accademico, delle associazioni e dei privati. Un esempio significativo di questa collaborazione è proprio il censimento degli alberi monumentali. La Lombardia è forse la Regione italiana che ospita la più ampia varietà di specie arboree, grazie alla diversità di ambienti che ne caratterizzano il territorio, dai grandi bacini lacustri insubrici alle montagne alpine e appenniniche, fino alle campagne planiziali con gli esemplari sopravvissuti alla meccanizzazione agricola. L’inventario e la tutela delle piante più meritevoli assume, inoltre, un ulteriore significato più prettamente scientifico, rendendo possibile lo studio di questi alberi eccezionali nel tentativo di scoprire se devono la loro lunga vita, oltre al caso che li ha preservati, anche al loro patrimonio genetico, che può averli resi più idonei di altri a sopportare e superare le difficoltà, le malattie e i danni che gli anni portano con sé. La Regione Lombardia, attraverso la collaborazione delle Province, ha avviato sin dal 1989 il censimento degli alberi monumentali. Da allora è iniziato un importante lavoro di stimolo e di coordinamento e, nel corso di diverse riunioni, è stato predisposto un protocollo per attribuire agli esemplari arborei la qualifica di “monumentale”, raccogliere i numerosi dati e archiviarli. Il percorso di lavoro via via condiviso è stato il seguente: 1. rilevamento 1a fase: raccolta di segnalazioni da parte di volontari, 2. rilevamento 2a fase: verifica da parte di tecnici, 3. predisposizione di uno schedario provinciale, 4. predisposizione di un data-base possibilmente collegato a un gis, 5. pubblicazione di uno stralcio dei risultati, 6. tutela, all’interno del Piano territoriale di coordinamento provinciale (PTCP), degli alberi monumentali individuati 162 International Congress on The Trees of History

Una fase successiva potrebbe prevedere lo stanziamento di fondi per la manutenzione straordinaria degli alberi monumentali stessi: potature, interventi di dendrochirurgia ecc. Numerose Province hanno iniziato celermente il lavoro di censimento: alcune lo hanno già concluso e hanno pubblicato i loro dati; altre hanno già inserito gli alberi monumentali individuati all’interno del loro PTCP; altre ancora hanno appena avviato l’attività. La prima Provincia a intraprendere la fase esecutiva dell’indagine è stata Pavia. Nel contempo è stato organizzato un seminario il 18 novembre 1997 a Milano e sono state realizzate due pubblicazioni, una del 1999 relativa alla sola Provincia di Sondrio e una del 2000 relativa alle Province di Brescia, Milano, Pavia e Sondrio: AAVV., 1999 - Alberi monumentali della Provincia di Sondrio. 1o censimento. Provincia di Sondrio, Azienda Regionale delle Foreste, Sondrio. AAVV., 2000 - Gli alberi monumentali della Lombardia. Regione Lombardia, Il Verde Editoriale, Milano.

Scheda di rilevamento e informazioni raccolte Per l’esecuzione del censimento è stata predisposta una scheda informatizzata che permette di rendere omogenei e confrontabili i dati raccolti nei diversi contesti territoriali e amministrativi; gli stessi dati potranno quindi essere elaborati e resi su cartografia GIS. La scheda, realizzata in Microsoft-Acceess e aggiornata nel corso del 2003, permette di descrivere ciascun albero, filare o gruppo di alberi attraverso la raccolta di informazioni su: localizzazione, tassonomia, aspetti di monumentalità, caratteristiche morfologiche e biologiche, condizioni vegetative e sanitarie. Tale scheda è stata redatta per essere utilizzata sia nella fase di prima indagine territoriale, durante la quale il personale incaricato si limiterà a compilare solo le voci per le quali è in grado di fornire un’informazione esauriente, sia nella successiva fase di verifica specialistica. La scheda è articolata nelle seguenti sezioni tematiche.

Numero della scheda, data del rilievo, estremi del rilevatore Localizzazione geografica Riporta l’ambito territoriale del rilievo, ovvero la Provincia, il Comune, la località e, se disponibile, l’indirizzo; ove necessario viene descritto brevemente l’ambito in oggetto e il percorso necessario per raggiungere l’esemplare, facendo riferimento a elementi di facile individuazione sul tracciato (cartelli indicatori, case isolate, bar ecc.). Laddove reperibili sono riportati anche i dati catastali (numero di foglio e di mappale), soprattutto se ci si trova in ambito privato. Sono infine indicati i dati relativi all’esposizione, alla pendenza media e al tipo di ambiente (urbano o extraurbano).

Tassonomia e carattere del rilevamento Oltre al nome scientifico è indicato se si tratta di un esemplare singolo, di un filare o di un gruppo di alberi. Nel caso di raggruppamento viene specificato il numero degli individui.

Aspetti di monumentalità Un esemplare arboreo può essere definito monumentale in base a diversi criteri: · monumentalità architettonica: esemplari legati a edifici di elevato valore storico-culturale; · monumentalità paesaggistica: piante collocate in un contesto territoriale di elevato valore estetico o la cui presenza caratterizza un certo luogo; · monumentalità storico-culturale: l’importanza della pianta è legata a particolari eventi della storia locale, tradizioni, leggende ecc.; · monumentalità legata alla forma; · monumentalità legata alla rarità botanica: si riferisce a specie non tipiche dell’ambiente in cui crescono (es. piante ben sviluppate al di fuori dalla loro tipica fascia bioclimatica) e poco rappresentate numericamente; · monumentalità dimensionale: legata alla circonferenza. L’aspetto di monumentalità dimensionale viene selezionato direttamente dal programma, che tiene conto dei valori di circonferenza inseriti nella descrizione fisionomica. Inizialmente i limiti dimensionali erano correlati alla zona bioclimatica di Gams; tuttavia ci si è presto svincolati da questa e attualmente sono stabiliti i seguenti limiti regionali, anche se ogni Provincia può discostarsene per meglio adattarli alla sua realtà locale: Torino, April 1st - 2 nd, 2004 163

Descrizione fisionomica In questo parte della scheda sono descritte le caratteristiche morfologiche e biologiche, quali l’altezza, la circonferenza del fusto, il diametro della chioma e il portamento: · tronco: è indicato se è monocormico o policormico; · portamento: arboreo, arbustivo, prostrato o rampicante; · n° fusti: è indicato il numero dei fusti di un individuo policormico; · circonferenza: è misurata in centimetri a petto d’uomo (a 130 cm dal suolo); in caso di albero policormico si riporta la somma delle circonferenze di tutti i fusti; · altezza: è espressa in metri, valutata o misurata; se l’albero è policormico si riporta l’altezza del fusto più elevato; · età: età stimata o misurata, indicata mediante un intervallo di anni: <100, 100-200, >200; · diametro della chioma: è indicato il diametro medio della chioma, espresso in metri; · forma della chioma: è indicato se espansa, pendula, colonnare o piramidale; · carattere della chioma: è indicato se obbligata o naturaliforme; questo dato fornisce una prima indicazione in merito ad eventuali interventi quali ad esempio potature; · altezza del 1° palco: è indicata l’altezza da terra, espressa in metri.

Quadro vegetativo Il quadro vegetativo fornisce una prima valutazione generale dello stato di salute dell’esemplare arboreo: · vigore vegetativo: buono, medio o scarso; · seccume: assente, incipiente o diffuso; · microfillia: assente, significativa o evidente; questo carattere si riferisce a foglie dalle dimensioni più ridotte rispetto al normale sviluppo, sintomo da imputare all’azione di diversi agenti biotici e abiotici quali stress idrico, carenze nutrizionali, attacchi fungini, inquinamento ecc.; · riscoppi: assenti o presenti; trattasi di rami provenienti da gemme dormienti, che si sviluppano a seguito dell’azione di diversi fattori quali stress idrici, funghi, virus ecc.

Quadro strutturale Questa sezione è finalizzata a fornire indicazioni generali circa la stabilità meccanica e considera le seguenti regioni anatomiche: · aspetto dell’apparato radicale: buono, medio o scarso; · aspetto del colletto: buono, medio o scarso; · aspetto del fusto: buono, medio o scarso; · aspetto della chioma: buono, medio o scarso; · aspetto delle branche: buono, medio o scarso; · note: breve descrizione dei sintomi rilevati.

Quadro fitosanitario Viene indicata l’eventuale presenza di infestazioni, infezioni o carpofori, specificando l’agente patogeno e la collocazione anatomica: · infestazioni: riferite a parassiti quali insetti e acari; · infezioni: riferite a malattie fungine, virali e batteriche; · carpofori: presenza di corpi fruttiferi fungini appartenenti a specie dei generi Armillaria, Ganoderma, Phellinus, Phomes, Rosellinia ecc. 164 International Congress on The Trees of History

Interventi effettuati Si tratta di informazioni aggiuntive relative alla storia dell’esemplare monumentale, segnalate laddove siano evidenti o confermate da informazioni attendibili; se possibile sono specificate la tipologia e la localizzazione: · potatura: di rimonda, di diradamento, di contenimento ecc.; effettuata su branche primarie ecc. · consolidamenti: effettuati con l’utilizzo di cavi in acciaio passanti o altro; localizzati a livello di branche primarie ecc.; · ancoraggi: cavi in acciaio, funi ecc.; · altro: altri dati, tra i quali concimazione, trattamenti antiparassitari ecc.; · note: sono indicate le eventuali operazioni future consigliate.

Informazioni sul terreno È indicato il tipo di copertura e il grado di costipamento del suolo ai piedi della pianta: · terreno: nudo, inerbito, cespugliato, pavimentato o impermeabilizzato; · caratteristiche: debolmente compattato, mediamente compattato, fortemente compattato; · altro.

Quadro minacce Viene segnalato quale elemento di disturbo può minacciarne l’integrità: · errata gestione: presenza di grossi tagli di potatura, irrigazioni eccessive o inesistenti, carenze nutrizionali ecc.; · urbanizzazione: presenza di cantieri di lavoro in corso che possono pregiudicare la pianta (scavi per servizi, marciapiedi, parcheggio d’auto in prossimità dell’esemplare) ecc.; · instabilità del terreno: presenza di cedimenti del versante o aree a franosità diffusa che possono mettere in pericolo la stabilità dell’esemplare; · fuoco: esemplari ubicati in zone soggette a incendio; · rischio di taglio: esemplari ubicati in aree di sviluppo urbanistico che rischiano l’abbattimento; · altro.

Quadro vincoli Sono segnalati i vincoli esistenti in base alla normativa vigente: vincolo idrogeologico, vincolo ex l. 490/1999.

Quadro tutela È indicato se l’albero censito è stato inserito ufficialmente: a) nell’elenco degli alberi monumentali, riportando gli estremi del relativo atto amministrativo provinciale, b) nel Piano Territoriale di Coordinamento Provinciale e/o se è c) Monumento naturale ai sensi della l.r. 86/1983.

Attribuzione di punteggi agli alberi monumentali e ripartizione in classi di merito Uno degli scopi del censimento degli alberi monumentali è quello di poterli tutelare attivamente, anche mediante lo stanziamento di fondi per la loro manutenzione straordinaria. Per fare questo è però necessario attribuire a ogni albero un punteggio che permetta di stilare, a livello provinciale, delle graduatorie di priorità. La Provincia di Sondrio è stata la prima a proporre un sistema che giunge a distribuire gli alberi in tre categorie: I° élite, I° e II°. Alla fine del 2003 la Provincia di Como, nel corso della revisione della scheda di rilevamento, ha proposto un nuovo sistema che è stato condiviso da tutte le Province; esso, lavorando attraverso l’applicazione di tre filtri successivi, ripartisce gli alberi in tre classi di merito (classe 1, classe 2, classe 3). Il primo filtro tiene conto dei criteri di monumentalità. A ogni albero viene attribuito automaticamente un punteggio in base ai parametri “Aspetti di monumentalità” inseriti nella scheda. La monumentalità dimensionale contribuisce molto meno degli altri aspetti nella formazione del punteggio; la misura della circonferenza sarà determinante durante l’applicazione del secondo filtro. Gli esemplari censiti vengono così ripartiti in tre classi provvisorie. Le classi 2 e 3 provvisorie passano al secondo filtro, mentre quelle della classe provvisoria 1 saltano direttamente al terzo e ultimo filtro. Il secondo filtro agisce sui parametri dimensionali, cioè sulla circonferenza, e, come detto, agisce soltanto sulle classi provvisorie 2 e 3. Per ogni esemplare la selezione si base sul confronto tra la sua circonferenza, il limite minimo di soglia per quella specie (vedi Torino, April 1st - 2 nd, 2004 165

“Aspetti di monumentalità”) e il valore medio per quella specie (calcolato automaticamente e solo per i valori rilevati oltre la soglia minima). Il terzo filtro si basa sul punteggio attribuito automaticamente ai singoli esemplari in base al “Quadro vegetativo”, al “Quadro strutturale” e al “Quadro fitosanitario” della scheda di rilevamento. Come detto, il sistema tiene conto della media delle circonferenze. Di conseguenza ogni volta che vengono caricate nuove schede i valori e i relativi punteggi possono variare. Pertanto il procedimento di attribuzione dei punteggi e la successiva ripartizione in classi di merito, entrambi automatizzati, dovranno avvenire alla fine del censimento. Lo schema seguente illustra il procedimento logico adottato dai tre filtri successivi. 166 International Congress on The Trees of History

Svolgimento del Censimento e risultati Come detto, la Regione Lombardia a partire dal 1989 ha promosso e contribuito, con proprie risorse tecniche e finanziarie, al censimento di tali “monumenti vegetali”, partendo dalle Province di Pavia, Milano, Brescia e Sondrio, caratterizzate da condizioni socio-ambientali diverse tra loro e sufficientemente rappresentative dell’eterogeneità territoriale regionale. Ai censimenti hanno collaborato attivamente i Comuni, il Corpo forestale dello stato, l’Ente regionale per i servizi agricoli e forestali (ERSAF), le scuole, le associazioni ambientaliste e i privati, sia in quanto proprietari di alberi notevoli sia in qualità di studiosi e cultori della materia. Le Guardie ecologiche volontarie (GEV), in particolare, grazie alla loro radicata conoscenza del territorio, hanno rappresentato un riferimento insostituibile nella rilevazione di un grande numero di esemplari altrimenti sconosciuti.

Provincia di Pavia Pavia è stata, come detto, la prima Provincia lombarda a iniziare nel 1989 il censimento degli alberi monumentali, affidando l’incarico a professionisti esterni all’Amministrazione. Trattandosi della prima esperienza attuata a livello regionale, lo studio è stato seguito in tutte le sue fasi da un gruppo di lavoro interdisciplinare formato da studiosi e professionisti di diversa estrazione (botanici, agronomi, forestali, architetti, paesaggisti e storici). Tale gruppo di lavoro, attraverso l’esame delle esperienze già maturate in altre realtà italiane ed estere, ha elaborato delle linee guida sia per l’organizzazione della fase dei rilievi di campagna sia per la successiva disamina dei dati raccolti. Dall’indagine territoriale sono state escluse tutte le aree già tutelate comprese nel Parco del Ticino e nelle Riserve naturali. La fase di prima raccolta delle segnalazioni e di verifica di quelle trasmesse da parte di alcuni Comuni è stata portata a termine dalle Guardie ecologiche volontarie, che sono state coinvolte in forza della loro passione per la natura e la specifica conoscenza dei luoghi; un breve corso mirato ha consentito alle GEV di acquisire le informazioni di base indispensabili alla conduzione dell’indagine sul territorio. Le segnalazioni, poi, sono state vagliate da tecnici esperti (agronomi, forestali e botanici) sulla base delle informazioni riportate sulle schede di campagna e della consultazione del materiale fotografico allegato; i rilievi che hanno superato la prima fase di selezione a tavolino sono stati sottoposti a una successiva verifica sul posto. In seguito, i risultati della verifica sono stati esaminati mediante l’applicazione di un criterio di analisi elaborato ad hoc dal gruppo di lavoro. Trattandosi dell’esperienza guida per la Lombardia, i criteri di riferimento per individuare le piante di interesse monumentale, derivati dalla letteratura e da esperienze condotte fuori regione hanno determinato una selezione piuttosto marcata delle piante già nella fase di prima raccolta delle segnalazioni. Pertanto, per la Provincia di Pavia il numero complessivo dei rilievi risulta, mediamente, inferiore a quello registrato nelle successive esperienze dove sono stati usati, viceversa, nuovi criteri derivati proprio da questo primo censimento. In un secondo momento, terminato nel 2002, il censimento è stato riverificato e integrato coi dati delle aree protette. Il lavoro è stato commissionato a professionisti esterni all’Amministrazione, che si sono avvalsi della collaborazione del Corpo forestale dello stato. Attualmente gli alberi monumentali sono stati inseriti all’interno del PTCP con una norma che ne salvaguarda la conservazione, fatta salva la possibilità di abbattimenti per problemi di stabilità o fitopatologici. Risultati: segnalazioni raccolte nella prima fase 247, segnalazioni sottoposte a verifica 224, alberi monumentali 31 (esemplari singoli: 26; gruppi: 4; filari: 1), generi botanici più rappresentati Quercus (5), Castanea (4), Populuss (4).

Provincia di Milano La Provincia di Milano ha avviato il censimento nel 1992, organizzando un gruppo di lavoro interdisciplinare composto da tecnici interni all’Amministrazione. Anche in questo caso sono state escluse le aree protette. Le GEV non hanno potuto completare la prima fase del censimento a causa di alcuni problemi organizzativi; pertanto la Provincia ha provveduto a conferire a un professionista esterno l’incarico di portare a termine la fase di rilievo di campagna e la verifica delle segnalazioni inviate da parte di alcuni Comuni. Sia durante l’esecuzione dei rilievi sia nella successiva analisi delle informazioni sono stati sostanzialmente utilizzati i criteri messi a punto nel corso del precedente studio della Provincia di Pavia; ciò ha consentito di sottoporre la metodologia a un valido test di verifica che ha permesso di affinare l’approccio tecnico- Torino, April 1st - 2 nd, 2004 167 metodologico, adattandolo alla realtà provinciale del milanese. Una volta elaborato l’elenco degli alberi monumentali, la Provincia ha avviato, nel 1997, una fase di sperimentazione invitando i Comuni a richiedere, dietro presentazione di un progetto, l’erogazione di un finanziamento per sottoporre alcuni esemplari a interventi di tutela e manutenzione straordinaria; in totale sono stati impegnati e spesi circa 35.000.000 £ per 17 alberi. Attualmente gli alberi monumentali sono stati inseriti all’interno del PTCP (approvato con delibera di consiglio provinciale 14 ottobre 2003, n. 55, pubblicata sul B.U.R.Lombardia serie inserzioni, n. 45 del 5 novembre 2003) con una norma (art. 65) che ne salvaguarda la conservazione, fatta salva la possibilità di abbattimenti per problemi di stabilità o fitopatologici. Dal punto di vista della cartografia del PTCP, in scala 1:25.000, la localizzazione è di tipo ideogrammatico e quindi indicativa. In ogni caso, il Comune può chiedere alla Provincia la localizzazione puntuale, disponibile in scala 1: 10.000. Risultati del censimento: segnalazioni raccolte nella prima fase 1.103, segnalazioni sottoposte a verifica 223, alberi monumentali 223 (esemplari singoli: 136; gruppi: 65; filari: 22), generi botanici più rappresentati Quercus (352), Celtis (164), Platanus (126). Tra il completamento del censimento e l’approvazione del PTCP, l’elenco degli alberi monumentali è stato aggiornato, giungendo a 233 segnalazioni corrispondenti a 1399 esemplari: esemplari singoli 146 corrispondenti a 146 esemplari, filari monospecifici 22 corrispondenti a 788 esemplari, gruppi monospecifici 60 corrispondenti a 438 esemplari, gruppi plurispecifici 5 corrispondenti a 27 esemplari.

Provincia di Brescia La terza Provincia che ha intrapreso il censimento degli alberi monumentali è stata Brescia che, nel 1994, ha incaricato professionisti esterni all’Amministrazione. Anche in questo caso sono state escluse le aree protette. Data la complessità territoriale che caratterizza il bresciano è stato fondamentale il coinvolgimento delle GEV, la cui motivazione è stata alimentata anche grazie alla organizzazione di un breve corso formativo, utile sia per delineare un quadro generale degli obiettivi sia per fornire le adeguate precisazioni operative per una corretta conduzione delle indagini di campagna. Inoltre, ciascun gruppo di Guardie ecologiche volontarie è stato puntualmente seguito da un responsabile che ha operato in stretto contatto coi coordinatori provinciali del progetto e coi professionisti incaricati. Nell’ambito dell’organizzazione del lavoro si è tenuto conto di quanto emerso dalle due precedenti esperienze, sia per lo svolgimento dell’indagine di campagna sia per la successiva fase di verifica e analisi delle informazioni raccolte. Con la Provincia di Brescia, tra l’altro, il censimento si è esteso ad altre unità di paesaggio non interessate dagli studi precedenti (aree lacustri, prealpine e alpine), la qual cosa ha reso possibile l’integrazione degli elenchi degli alberi censiti con le specie tipiche della flora mediterranea e delle quote altimetriche più elevate. Risultati: segnalazioni raccolte nella prima fase 608, segnalazioni sottoposte a verifica 339, alberi monumentali 167 (esemplari singoli: 102; gruppi: 52; filari: 13), generi botanici più rappresentati Fagus (177), Quercus (135), Taxodium (103).

Provincia di Sondrio La Provincia di Sondrio ha dato il via al censimento nel 1997, avvalendosi della collaborazione dell’Azienda regionale delle foreste (ARF, oggi ERSAF). L’indagine ha interessato, a differenza delle altre province, tutto il territorio coinvolgendo anche le aree protette. Sull’esempio della linea operativa seguita nelle altre province lombarde, il censimento si è articolato in una fase iniziale di campagna e nella successiva verifica delle segnalazioni. Innanzitutto le schede di segnalazione sono state distribuite a tutti i Comuni e agli operatori di vari Enti e associazioni che si occupano a vario titolo di ambiente (es. GEV, Enti gestori dei Parchi, CAI, Legambiente e WWF), opportunamente informati e addestrati. Altre schede sono state distribuite anche a privati cittadini tramite comunicati stampa diffusi per mezzo di giornali, radio e televisione. Le segnalazioni acquisite durante la fase di rilievo sono state sottoposte a un primo riscontro comparativo che ha condotto a scartare tutti gli esemplari che non raggiungevano una determinata soglia minima, calcolata applicando i risultati ottenuti nelle altre province e modulata attraverso valutazioni specifiche legate al particolare ambito 168 International Congress on The Trees of History territoriale. La verifica specialistica e la successiva analisi statistica dei risultati sono state condotte da personale tecnico specializzato. La particolare configurazione orografica della provincia ha permesso di arricchire ulteriormente le informazioni disponibili a livello regionale, integrando l’elenco delle specie censite con l’introduzione di quelle prevalentemente alpine. Il numero finale degli alberi monumentali non è particolarmente elevato, sia a causa dello sfruttamento forestale dei boschi ancora in atto in questa provincia sia per la scarsa presenza di dimore storiche che, in altre province, hanno garantito la conservazione di alcuni esemplari nel corso degli anni divenendo, pertanto, fonte di numerose segnalazioni. Probabilmente gli alberi monumentali individuati verranno inseriti all’interno del PTCP con una norma che ne salvaguardi la conservazione, fatta salva la possibilità di abbattimenti per problemi di stabilità o fitopatologici. Risultati: segnalazioni raccolte nella prima fase 212, segnalazioni sottoposte a verifica 168, alberi monumentali 133 (esemplari singoli: 107; gruppi: 23; filari: 3), generi botanici più rappresentati Castanea (24), Fagus (18), Larix (11).

Provincia di Bergamo Il lavoro, svolto su tutto il territorio provinciale comprese le aree protette, è iniziato nel 1998 ed è ormai in conclusione. Nella fase di raccolta dei dati ci si è avvalsi della preziosa collaborazione di GEV, aree protette, Comuni, Corpo Forestale dello Stato e varie associazioni naturalistiche e ambientali; la loro attività ha prodotto circa 1.150 segnalazioni. Per la successiva verifica tecnica ci si è affidati a tecnici esterni alla Amministrazione, coordinati dall’Orto Botanico di Bergamo. Le segnalazioni ritenute monumentali sono circa 400 e attualmente si sta valutando quali inserire all’interno del PTCP con una norma che ne salvaguardi la conservazione, fatta salva la possibilità di abbattimenti per problemi di stabilità o fitopatologici.

Provincia di Lodi Il lavoro, svolto su tutto il territorio provinciale comprese le aree protette, è iniziato nel 1999 ed è ormai entrato nella fase finale. L’incarico è stato affidato a un tecnico esterno alla Amministrazione. Nella fase di raccolta dei dati ci si è avvalsi della preziosa collaborazione di GEV, aree protette e Comuni; la loro attività ha prodotto circa 700 segnalazioni. Attualmente sono stai selezionati circa 100 esemplari da sottoporre alla verifica tecnica.

Provincia di Como Il lavoro, svolto su tutto il territorio provinciale, è iniziato nel 2001 ed è ormai entrato nella seconda e ultima fase. La ricerca, a partire dall’esperienza maturata nelle altre Province, è stata caratterizzata da una fase iniziale di predisposizione delle azioni da intraprendere; a tal fine è stato nominato un apposito “Tavolo tecnico-scientifico”. È stata anche verificata l’esistenza di precedenti e analoghi lavori, attività che ha consentito il recupero dei dati di censimenti compiuti negli anni 90 da parte del WWF e del Corpo Forestale dello Stato. Nella fase di raccolta dei dati si è cercato di coinvolgere, oltre alle GEV, le scuole, i Comuni e le Associazioni, anche i numerosi edifici e ville storiche con parco e/giardino vincolati ai sensi della normativa vigente. Questo lavoro ha prodotto circa 500 segnalazioni da sottoporre alla successiva verifica tecnica. Nel corso del lavoro si è anche compiuta una rivisitazione della scheda di rilevamento e del relativo data-base di archiviazione e di calcolo dei punteggi.

Provincia di Lecco Il lavoro, svolto su tutto il territorio provinciale, è iniziato nel corso del 2002 ed è ormai entrato nella seconda e ultima fase. L’incarico è stato affidato al WWF. Nella fase di raccolta dei dati ci si è avvalsi dei volontari del WWF, mentre con le GEV si sta procedendo alla georeferenziazione degli esemplari sinora segnalati. La prima fase di raccolta dati ha prodotto circa 850-900 segnalazioni, che saranno sottoposte alla verifica tecnica da parte di un esperto forestale del WWF. Sempre con la collaborazione da parte delle GEV si stanno individuando dei “percorsi turistici” alla scoperta degli alberi monumentali della provincia; attualmente si sta lavorando su circa 15 itinerari. Torino, April 1st - 2 nd, 2004 169

Provincia di Cremona Il lavoro di censimento è iniziato nel 2004. Come dato di partenza si è tenuto conto di una pubblicazione sui giardini della provincia; questi sono poco più di 100 e oltre la metà hanno almeno un albero monumentale. Per garantire la completezza del censimento sono state coinvolte non solo le GEV ma anche le aree protette e il Gruppo Floristico Cremonese.

Provincia di Mantova Il lavoro è iniziato nel 2004, affidandosi a professionisti esterni alla Pubblica Amministrazione. Sinora è stata inviata un questionario ai Comuni e alcuni hanno già risposto comunicando dati interessanti. Ci si avvarrà anche della collaborazione delle aree protette e delle associazioni ambientaliste e naturalistiche.

Provincia di Varese Il lavoro è iniziato nel 2004, affidandosi a professionisti esterni alla Pubblica Amministrazione. In ogni caso ci si avvarrà anche della preziosa collaborazione di GEV, Comuni, aree protette e associazioni, che nella altre Province hanno contribuito in modo significativo alla fase iniziale di raccolta dei dati.

Prospettive e sviluppi Nel complesso si può affermare che il censimento degli alberi monumentali in Regione Lombardia ha sinora prodotto ottimi risultati. Per completare e migliorare il lavoro si prevede di promuovere le seguenti azioni: · completare i censimenti ancora in corso o appena iniziati; · estendere i censimenti anche all’interno delle aree protette, inizialmente escluse nelle Province di Brescia e Milano; · aggiornare in continuo i censimenti già conclusi; · prevedere, man mano, l’inserimento degli alberi monumentali all’interno dei PTCP; · prevedere l’inserimento dei dati in Carta Naturalistica della Lombardia; · prevedere finanziamenti per l’esecuzione di perizie e di interventi conservativi (potature, dendrochirurgia ecc.); i fondi potrebbero essere liquidati alle Province in proporzione agli alberi censiti; le Province, in seguito, dovrebbero predisporre un bando oppure convenzionarsi con una ditta che provvederà a verificare tutti i casi segnalati intervenendo ove il caso; · prevedere una serie di pubblicazioni divulgative provinciali e una pubblicazione regionale; · prevedere una norma di legge che tuteli gli alberi monumentali e preveda l’erogazione di fondi. 170 International Congress on The Trees of History

L’ESPERIENZA GESTIONALE DELLE PUBBLICHE AMMINISTRAZIONI NELL’AMBITO DELLA TUTELA E VALORIZZAZIONE DEGLI ALBERI MONUMENTALI: IL CASO DELLA REGIONE VENETO E. Piutti, G. Bullo, A. Vieceli Azienda Regionale Veneto Agricoltura, Agripolis – Legnaro (PD)

1. Premessa Il tema degli alberi monumentali è di estrema attualità oltre che particolarmente affascinante e di grande rilievo per la storia dell’intero territorio nazionale e del paesaggio che lo definisce. Infatti, tutela e conservazione di questi “beni vegetali” nasce da motivazioni sia paesaggistiche che ambientali in quanto è riconosciuto che gli alberi, soprattutto quelli di grandi dimensioni, costituiscono la componente più appariscente ed emozionale di qualsiasi luogo e ricoprono un ruolo fondamentale nel determinarne il valore. Gli alberi sono una delle forme di vita più antiche della terra, silenziosi testimoni dell’evoluzione dell’umanità e del passaggio del tempo. La consapevolezza che tali monumenti naturali, caratterizzati da un’elevata ricchezza genetica che li rende tanto forti da superare le siccità più lunghe e resistere ai freddi più intensi, siano giunti fino ai giorni nostri dopo una lunga e complessa evoluzione attraverso i secoli deve far riflettere anche sul loro valore storico-culturale e testimoniale. Gli alberi monumentali, inoltre, costituiscono un peculiare elemento del patrimonio architettonico ed artistico, caratterizzando ed arricchendo gli ambienti esterni di ville, residenze e palazzi storici, dove spesso sono potuti sopravvivere salvaguardati da eventi bellici e dalle modificazioni urbanistiche degli ultimi decenni. Vanno così considerati come beni preziosi da tutelare e conservare nel tempo, costituendo globalmente un patrimonio naturale e paesaggistico con valenza composita meritevole di attenzione. Un albero monumentale ha perciò un grande valore ecologico, estetico e culturale e va valorizzato in quanto componente della memoria collettiva e componente significativa dei paesaggi. Tuttavia, a causa della longevità e senescenza, degli interventi di ripristino e dell’interferenza con le infrastrutture adiacenti, gli alberi monumentali sono piante molto vulnerabili e maggiormente soggette a deperimento. Strettamente connesse alla loro presenza sono le problematiche relative alla manutenzione ed al ripristino ambientale ed architettonico nonché allo spinoso problema delle responsabilità, della gestione e del tipo degli interventi, trovandosi spesso in aree pubbliche e ad elevata valenza sociale.

2. La situazione normativa regionale e nazionale a supporto del censimento e della catalogazione Soprattutto dagli anni ’90 la maggior parte delle Regioni si sta dotando di norme per la tutela, la valorizzazione e la conservazione del patrimonio vegetale di alto pregio e, più specificatamente, degli alberi monumentali. Molti sono i lavori disponibili di censimento e schedatura delle piante monumentali, avviati dalle singole amministrazioni ed associazioni ambientaliste e culturali. La metodologia seguita è quella già utilizzata per il censimento del verde urbano (impiego di un sistema informativo geografico e di schede di rilevamento informatizzate per la raccolta delle caratteristiche morfologiche, fitosanitarie e di stabilità, strutturazione di un database per la programmazione e la gestione degli interventi e costi di manutenzione, ecc.). Numerosi ormai sono gli esempi sia a livello regionale italiano che internazionale di elenchi e pubblicazioni sugli alberi monumentali in ampi ambiti territoriali o più specificatamente di quelli in ville, parchi e giardini.

3. L’esperienza gestionale delle pubbliche amministrazioni: la Regione Veneto 3.1 Quadro storico Nel Veneto il primo organismo istituzionale ad occuparsi di alberi monumentali è stato il Corpo Forestale dello Stato che nel 1982 ha effettuato un censimento che ha interessato gli alberi che come singoli soggetti arborei hanno una propria individualità per essere eccezionalmente vecchi, per essere stati protagonisti di episodi storici o per essere legati alla vita di grandi uomini o di Santi. L’iniziativa, lanciata al livello nazionale nell’estate del 1982 e condotta dal personale del Corpo Forestale dello Stato, ha censito, in Veneto, 57 alberi. La Regione Veneto, nell’ambito dei lavori di redazione del Piano Regionale di Coordinamento, ha avviato, nel 1987, un censimento degli alberi monumentali della Regione. Tale censimento è stato articolato per provincia e a tal fine è stata elaborata una scheda. I lavori di rilievo, Torino, April 1st - 2 nd, 2004 171 eseguiti dal WWF, hanno dato luogo ad una pubblicazione per ogni singola provincia censita, curata dalla Segreteria regionale per il territorio dal titolo “I grandi alberi della Provincia di .”. Il censimento, sospeso nel 1995, ha consentito la pubblicazione di 5 Province su 7 con i seguenti risultati:

Successivamente alcune amministrazioni provinciali hanno effettuato autonomamente attività di censimento. E’ il caso, ad es., della Provincia di Padova che ha eseguito un censimento e una catalogazione degli alberi monumentali presenti nel suo territorio. I dati sono stati inseriti in un programma di gestione informatico. Per ogni singolo albero censito è stata effettuata l’indagine di stabilità secondo il metodo VTA (Visual Tree Assessmant), consentendo così di individuare l’effettivo stato di salute degli alberi e i soggetti a rischio nonché di raccogliere gli elementi per poter mettere in atto le misure di salvaguardia. Il censimento è stato inoltre arricchito da una ricerca storica. Gli alberi censiti dalla Provincia di Padova sono 92. Anche l’Amministrazione Provinciale di Venezia, visto il mancato completamento del censimento regionale ha deciso di procedere in proprio al censimento degli alberi monumentali presenti sul proprio territorio, che è stato completato nel 2002. Il lavoro è stato reso noto con una pubblicazione che descrive 166 degli alberi censiti.

3.2 La Legge Regionale del Veneto n. 20 del 9 agosto 2002 3.2.1 Finalità e definizioni La legge regionale n. 20/2002 “Tutela e valorizzazione degli alberi monumentali”, detta norme per l’individuazione degli alberi monumentali di alto pregio naturalistico e storico, di interesse paesaggistico e culturale presenti nella Regione Veneto. Il testo di legge definisce come alberi monumentali di alto pregio naturalistico e storico e di interesse paesaggistico e culturale: a) gli alberi isolati o facenti parte di formazioni boschive naturali o artificiali che per età o dimensioni possono essere considerati come rari esempi di maestosità o longevità b) gli alberi che hanno un preciso riferimento a eventi o memorie rilevanti dal punto di vista storico o culturale o a tradizioni locali.

3.2.2 Competenze La legge regionale individua l’Azienda Regionale per i settori agricolo, forestale e agro- alimentare, “Veneto Agricoltura”, ente pubblico economico della Regione Veneto, quale soggetto competente per l’istituzione dell’elenco regionale degli alberi monumentali, incaricando la stessa di definire la metodologia di rilevazione e i contenuti informativi della scheda tipo, che dovrà almeno contenere i dati caratteristici di vegetazione e i criteri di tutela. L’inserimento nell’elenco regionale degli alberi monumentali avviene su proposta diretta delle Province, dei Comuni, delle Comunità Montane e degli Enti Parco oppure a seguito di segnalazioni di singoli cittadini o associazioni ai medesimi enti che trasmetteranno a Veneto Agricoltura la segnalazione corredata da un proprio parere. La scheda tipo e l’elenco regionale degli alberi monumentali sono pubblicati nel Bollettino Ufficiale della Regione del Veneto. L’elenco verrà aggiornato periodicamente. Oltre a Veneto Agricoltura, le strutture regionali interessate sono i Servizi Forestali e i Servizi Fitosanitari che assicurano rispettivamente l’assistenza per gli aspetti agroforestali e fitopatologici in merito agli alberi dell’elenco.

3.2.3 Valorizzazione e tutela L’Azienda Regionale Veneto Agricoltura, le Province, i Comuni, le Comunità Montane e gli Enti Parco promuovono iniziative di pubblicizzazione e di valorizzazione degli alberi inclusi nell’elenco al fine di divulgarne la conoscenza, il significato di tutela nonché per migliorare il contesto territoriale e ambientale circostante. Gli alberi inseriti nell’elenco sono segnalati come Albero Monumentale Protetto. I Comuni riportano nel proprio strumento urbanistico generale gli alberi monumentali protetti e le relative aree di pertinenza dettando apposita normativa di tutela. Gli interventi per una corretta manutenzione e conservazione degli alberi monumentali sono autorizzati dal Comune previa acquisizione di un parere tecnico delle 172 International Congress on The Trees of History strutture regionali competenti in materia di servizi forestali e fitosanitari. È vietato a chiunque abbattere, danneggiare o comunque modificare la struttura degli alberi monumentali inseriti nell’elenco regionale, salvo pareri degli enti competenti. L’abbattimento dei alberi inclusi nell’elenco può avvenire per esigenze di pubblica incolumità o per esigenze fitosanitarie e comunque dopo aver accertato l’impossibilità ad adottare soluzioni alternative. I comuni e le strutture regionali competenti in materia di servizi forestali e fitosanitari vigilano sull’applicazione delle disposizioni della presente legge. 3.3 Metodologia utilizzata Sulla base delle finalità e delle disposizioni della legge regionale n. 20/2002, l’Azienda Regionale Veneto Agricoltura ha predisposto un piano triennale di lavoro dal 2003 al 2005. Fase 1 a. Organizzazione, da parte di Veneto Agricoltura, di un incontro a livello regionale al quale sono stati chiamati a partecipare tutti gli Enti e le Associazioni che si sono occupati in passato o che si occupano oggi di alberi monumentali nonché gli Enti Territoriali interessati dalla Legge per la futura applicazione del vincolo; nell’incontro è stato illustrato il contenuto della Legge e presentata la bozza di programma di lavoro che ha dato luogo ad un partecipato e costruttivo dibattito. b. Istituzione di una Commissione Tecnica Consultiva costituita da un rappresentante di Veneto Agricoltura, della Direzione Foreste ed Economia Montana della Regione Veneto, del Servizio Fitosanitario Regionale, del Dipartimento TESAF (TErritorio e Sistemi Agro- Forestali) dell’Università di Padova, del Corpo Forestale dello Stato, della Soprintendenza per i Beni architettonici ed il Paesaggio del Veneto, dell’Associazione Nazionale Comuni d’Italia e del WWF - sezione regionale del Veneto. La Commissione ha il compito di fornire a Veneto Agricoltura il proprio parere tecnico in merito all’inclusione degli alberi nell’elenco regionale. Svolge inoltre un ruolo consultivo in merito alla definizione della scheda tipo per il rilevamento, alla definizione dei criteri di selezione e delle metodologie di rilevazione. c. Determinazione dei requisiti che qualificano una pianta come monumentale e dei criteri di selezione; d. Raccolta e selezione del materiale pubblicato già esistente relativo alle piante già censite e verifica della disponibilità di altri dati rilevati e non ancora pubblicati; e. Definizione di una scheda tipo di censimento in linea con i requisiti richiesti dalla legge regionale (art. 3 comma 2) e conforme sia agli standard di catalogazione e inventario proposti dalla scheda PG – Parchi e Giardini dell’Istituto Centrale per il Catalogo e la Documentazione del Ministero per i Beni e le Attività culturali; f. Progettazione di un software per la gestione delle schede per ogni singola pianta (localizzazione e georeferenziazione, informazioni amministrative, dati morfologici e botanici, dati fitopatologici, dati storico-culturali, criteri di tutela, foto e bibliografia, ecc.) Fase 2 a. Istituzione di un tavolo provinciale per la verifica della selezione eseguita sul materiale pubblicato (fase 1.d.); sono chiamati al tavolo provinciale gli Enti Territoriali, gli altri Enti Pubblici e le Associazioni interessati dall’argomento (Servizi Forestali, Corpo Forestale dello Stato, Servizi fitosanitari, ); b. Sopralluoghi in campo al fine di verificare e implementare le informazioni raccolte nelle schede già esistenti, applicando i criteri e le schede di cui alla fase 1, così da ottenere un primo inventario degli alberi monumentali; c. Individuazione delle piante appartenenti al primo inventario con possibili problemi relativi alla stabilità e allo stato fitosanitario; d. Informatizzazione delle schede relative al primo inventario con georeferenziazione. Fase 3 a. Approfondimento dello stato fitosanitario e verifica della stabilità per le piante per le quali sono stati individuati problemi di sicurezza; b. Cartellinatura delle piante inserite nel primo inventario: “Regione Veneto – Albero monumentale”; c. Formulazione di indicazioni operative sulla pianificazione e sulle modalità di gestione del patrimonio arboreo censito per i Comuni interessati (o gli Enti Gestori nel caso di Parchi o Riserve); d. Divulgazione: predisposizione di un link a tema su sito web dell’Azienda Regionale Veneto Agricoltura, produzione di un CD rom e di un depliant illustrativo del progetto. Torino, April 1st - 2 nd, 2004 173

I principali aspetti da evidenziare nelle fasi di lavoro sono i seguenti: - la costituzione della Commissione tecnica consultiva che consente di poter disporre del contributo e della competenza di esperti afferenti a varie discipline; - la predisposizione di due prospetti (Tabella 1 e Tabella 2) utili ai fini della classificazione di una pianta come “monumentale”, in cui sono indicati vincoli e criteri di priorità per la scelta delle piante da inserire nell’elenco;

Tabella 1 - Vincoli per la classificazione delle piante monumentali

Deroghe a V1, V2 e V3 potranno essere ammesse con specifica motivazione

Tabella 2 – Criteri di priorità per la classificazione delle piante monumentali

- la raccolta di tutti i censimenti realizzati nel Veneto in più di un ventennio di attività da parte di vari Enti e Associazioni e avvio della selezione per l’elenco regionale da questo materiale raccolto; - l’istituzione del tavolo provinciale che consente di poter disporre della competenza e della conoscenza del territorio che di chi, per lavoro o per passione, percorre quasi quotidianamente le aree dove vegetano gli alberi da selezionare; - accanto all’elenco degli alberi monumentali sarà redatto un elenco di alberi notevoli. 174 International Congress on The Trees of History

4. Problematiche emerse Le difficoltà finora incontrate nello sviluppo delle fasi di lavoro possono essere brevemente sotto elencate: 1. Mancanza di documenti normativi nazionali di riferimento per la classificazione di piante di pregio e per la omogeneizzazione della metodologia di rilievo e censimento Infatti, se da un lato è consolidata l’opinione che l’albero monumentale è un bene ambientale, meritevole di conservazione e tutela, ancor oggi si deve purtroppo constatare che a livello normativo nazionale le cose non sono ben chiare o per lo meno sussiste un approccio ancora approssimativo legato a criteri di catalogazione non esplicitati e codificati in maniera univoca per tutti. Ad oggi infatti, non è stato ancora proposto alcun protocollo operativo ufficiale, a livello nazionale, sulle modalità di individuazione, di censimento, di catalogazione e di gestione degli alberi monumentali, lasciando alle amministrazioni locali piena libertà sull’organizzazione del lavoro. Il Decreto Legislativo n. 490 del 1999, così come il recentissimo Codice dei Beni culturali e del Paesaggio (art. 10 punto 4 lett. f), pur sancendo l’importanza del patrimonio ambientale e paesaggistico, non considera esplicitamente l’elemento “albero” come un bene monumentale da conservare nonostante presenti un indiscutibile valore storico, estetico, paesaggistico, ambientale. Inoltre, l’attuale scheda “Parchi e Giardini” proposta dal Ministero per i Beni Culturali e Ambientali (Istituto Centrale per il Catalogo e la Documentazione, 1994) inquadra il bene parco o giardino, senza però considerare adeguatamente gli alberi quali principali elementi vegetali che compongono e determinano il valore stesso del parco. Infine, anche se vengono comunemente classificati alberi monumentali quelle piante imponenti che suscitano meraviglia per unicità ed armonia, caratterizzate da longevità e dimensioni notevoli, da forma o portamento molto particolari e rare, da essere considerate rarità botaniche o collegate con edifici storici o monumentali, con fatti storici, tradizioni o leggende, manca una metodologia standard di rilievo valida ad ampia scala; pertanto non è possibile, o risulta difficile, fare confronti fra diverse realtà territoriali. Questo permetterebbe di avere un approccio oggettivo alla catalogazione del bene da tutelare, slegato da criteri soggettivi ed emotivi di valutazione, soprattutto nei casi di alberi che già sottostanno a vincoli o che richiederebbero finanziamenti per interventi di manutenzione. 2) La legge non prevede le modalità di applicazione del vincolo Una volta realizzato il primo elenco regionale degli alberi monumentali, sarà necessario individuare le modalità di applicazione del vincolo. 3) Difficoltà a reperire finanziamenti e specifici contributi per gli interventi sia di tipo fitosanitario che di messa in sicurezza degli alberi monumentali Nella legge regionale del Veneto n. 20/2002 per la tutela e valorizzazione degli alberi monumentali non sono previsti contributi specifici per la valorizzazione degli esemplari monumentali individuati nell’apposito elenco. Questo aspetto è molto delicato in quanto la pianta monumentale può essere vista non come un pregio bensì come un onere dal singolo proprietario o amministrazione comunale, impossibilitati spesso a far fronte alle spese di manutenzione, restauro e messa in sicurezza. Quando l’elenco degli alberi monumentali verrà pubblicato nel Bollettino Ufficiale della Regione ed il vincolo di tutela diverrà quindi effettivo, sarà indispensabile poter disporre di un finanziamento per l’esecuzione degli interventi di messa in sicurezza degli alberi.

5. Conclusioni La finalità del lavoro promosso dalla legge regionale del Veneto sulla tutela e valorizzazione degli alberi monumentali è quella di far prendere coscienza di questo enorme patrimonio naturalistico ai cittadini veneti. La tutela e conservazione sono, in un’ottica di sviluppo sostenibile e valorizzazione delle risorse ambientali, i primi e basilari strumenti per trasmettere alle generazioni future l’importanza e il rispetto di tale patrimonio. Solo così ogni cittadino si potrà impegnare in prima persona per difendere questi giganti della storia e potrà essere direttamente coinvolto in azioni di promozione e divulgazione relative alla conoscenza e al significato storico-culturale del patrimonio arboreo paesaggistico regionale. Infine, sarebbe auspicabile che i contributi di studio e il know-how prodotti dalle singole regioni potessero confluire in un unico lavoro di sintesi a livello nazionale con individuazione e definizione di criteri e metodologie organiche di catalogazione; ciò potrebbe servire alla conservazione e gestione delle piante di pregio, al controllo fitosanitario e alla messa in sicurezza nonché, forse, ad un’eventuale pianificazione dei finanziamenti necessari per gli interventi. Torino, April 1st - 2 nd, 2004 175

6. Bibliografia di riferimento AA.VV. 1990. Gli alberi monumentali d’Italia: il Centro e il Nord. Ed. ABETE, Roma. AA.VV. 1991. Grandi alberi e monumenti naturali nel Friuli-Venezia Giulia. Regione Autonoma del Friuli Venezia Giulia, Az. Parchi e Foreste Regionali, pp. 223. Corona P., Salbitano F. 2001. Aspetti progettuali e di gestione delle alberature urbane. EM - Linea Ecologica 33(3): 11-25. Credano V., Pirola A. 1975. La vegetazione della Provincia di Sondrio. Amm. Provinciale Sondrio, Banca Credito Valtellinese, Sondrio. Dalla Fior G. 1985. La nostra flora. Ed. G.B.Monauni, Trento 1985 Fenaroli L. 1967. Guida agli alberi d’Italia. Ed. Marcello, Milano. Gellini R. 1985. Botanica forestale (Testi I e II). Ed. CEDAM, Firenze Hageneder F. 2001. Lo spirito degli alberi. Ed. Crisalide, pp. 439. Harrison R.P. 1982. Foreste. L’ombra della civiltà. Garzanti, pp.300. Pignatti S. 1982. Flora d’Italia. Edagricole, Bologna. Provincia di Brescia. 1996. Alberi monumentali della provincia di Brescia. Il Verde Editoriale, Milano. Provincia di Brescia. 1996. Censimento degli esemplari arborei monumentali del territorio della provincia di Brescia da sottoporre a tutela ex L.R. 30.11.83 n.86. Il Verde Editoriale, Milano. Provincia di Milano. 1996. Censimento degli esemplari arborei monumentali del territorio della provincia di Milano da sottoporre a tutela ex L.R. 30.11.83 n.86. Settore Ufficio del Piano, Milano. Regione Emilia-Romagna. 1991. Alberi monumentali dell’Emilia-Romagna – Censimenti e tutela (Volume n.43). Assessorato Ambiente/Istituto Beni Culturali, Bologna. Regione Lombardia. 1997. Direzione Generale Tutela Ambientale. Criteri e metodi per il censimento degli alberi monumentali – Documento tecnico. Milano. Semenzato P. (a cura di) 1999. Il verde storico. Teoria e tecnica di conservazione e restauro. Regione Veneto, Direzione Cultura e Az. Reg. Veneto Agricoltura, pp. 102.

Summary This paper outlines the importance of veteran trees under the naturalistic, cultural, social and landscape point of view. Then, it is referred the aim of the regional law for defence and protection of veteran trees and the methodology proposed by the Regional Agency “Veneto Agricoltura” to arrange the veteran tree list for the Veneto Region. Problems faced during the work development are presented and discussed. 176 International Congress on The Trees of History

IL SISTEMA REGIONALE PER LA CONSERVAZIONE DELLA NATURA. LA TUTELA DEGLI ALBERI MONUMENTALI E LA CONSERVAZIONE DEL PAESAGGIO IN PUGLIA M. Saccomanno Ufficio Parchi e Riserve Naturali, Assessorato all’Ambiente Regione Puglia

La tutela del patrimonio di alberi monumentali assume una particolare rilevanza in Puglia in relazione ad alcune specificità. Da un lato la regione appare essere quella con la più bassa percentuale di boschi (149.400 Ha pari al 7,75% della superficie regionale), dall’altra la sua posizione geografica gli ha conferito nel tempo un notevole patrimonio di biodiversità. La Puglia è definita infatti regione delle dieci querce, due delle quali appaiono esclusive della nostra regione (Quercus trojana webb, Quercus macrolepis), ospita con la foresta Umbra, la più estesa formazione di latifoglie in Italia (circa 15.000 Ha), presenta estese formazioni di Pinus halepensis. Il carattere determinante della pianura e delle limitate pendenze ha favorito nei secoli la forte riduzione del manto forestale, la cui presenza è testimoniata oggi proprio da vetusti alberi isolati. La tutela di tali esemplari viene operata attraverso il Decreto legislativo 29 ottobre 1999, n° 490 “Testo Unico delle disposizioni legislative in materia di beni culturali e ambientali” che agisce nei casi in cui vi è anche un valore storico del contesto di inserimento e dalla normativa regionale L.R. n° 14 del 31-05-2001 Art. 30 “Tutela paesaggistica degli alberi” che prevede la istituzione di un albo regionale dei monumenti vegetazionali. Per gli esemplari dell’albo è previsto il divieto di espianto e un regime sanzionatorio per gli abusi. La L. R. n.19 del 24-07-1997 “Norme per l’istituzione e la gestione delle aree naturali protette nella Regione Puglia” prevede altresì all’art. 2 - “Classificazione delle aree naturali protette” l’istituto dei monumenti naturali. Le azioni svolte sinora hanno riguardato una prima fase di conoscenza, favorita dalla diffusione di una scheda di censimento e successiva valutazione e validazione delle segnalazioni pervenute agli uffici regionali. Si sta procedendo inoltre ad un raccordo con altri enti (CFS, Ispettorati Forestali regionali) per l’azione di tutela e ulteriore indagine. La problematica della tutela degli alberi monumentali non riguarda solo le specie di interesse forestale, lo dimostra il caso del commercio ed espianto degli ulivi in Puglia. Si tratta di un caso complesso per due motivi: da una lato le dimensioni del problema, dall’altro l’importanza economica della coltura dell’olivo nella regione. In Puglia ci sono oltre 350.000 Ha coltivati ad ulivi, pari al 25% della superficie regionale. Sono interessati tutti i comuni della regione. L’ulivo è il simbolo stesso del paesaggio pugliese. L’ulivo, specie originaria del medio oriente, mostra i primi segni della sua presenza in Puglia in ritrovamenti preistorici tra Torre a Mare e Fasano (sud della provincia di Bari) risalenti al Neolitico, in periodo databile a circa 5000 a.C. Per avere un’idea dell’importanza dell’ulivo nella cultura regionale basti pensare che le antiche monete, gli stateri e le dracme tarantine del VI-V sec. a.C., riportano l’effige di satiri coronati d’ulivo. La presenza dell’ulivo si sostanzia in Puglia anche nei numerosi frantoi ipogei di epoca remota, attraverso la cui analisi è stato possibile verificare come avveniva sin da tempi lontanissimi la spremitura delle olive. Secondi i dati del 2000 l’olivocoltura pugliese produce un reddito di 760 milioni di euro all’anno. Vi sono cinque D.O.P. di produzione e la sua importanza è tale che sono stati realizzati quattro grandi itinerari turistici denominati vie dell’olio. Sono attivi 1200 frantoi, che trattano le 53 diverse varietà di olive coltivate in regione. Vi sono 50 milioni di piante di ulivo in Puglia, di questi circa 15 milioni di esemplari sono censiti come ultracentenari e si può certamente stimare un numero non inferiore ai tre milioni di esemplari pruricentenari e dotati di particolare valore paesaggistico ed estetico. La notevole longevità dell’olivo, con esemplari che in Puglia raggiungono i duemila anni, sembra legata in parte all’estrema capacità rigenerante della specie , in grado di rinascere dal tronco reciso, cosi come dai robusti germogli che si affacciano anche dalle parti più “antiche” dell’ albero. Le aspre condizioni climatiche caratterizzate da aridità, un difficile substrato con roccia affiorante a pochi centimetri dalla superficie, la frequenza degli incendi, il delicato equilibrio tra metabolismo dell’albero e potature, conferiscono agli esemplari di età più avanzata un alternarsi di legna secca dall’aspetto pitreo e vasi turgidi, ricche di linfa, diretti alle parti in vegetazione. Il risultato è un’insieme di sculture viventi dall’aspetto fortemente suggestivo. Ma questi caratteri di rusticità e di adattabilità, se da una lato ci hanno consegnato una pregevole eredità paesaggistica ed economica, dall’altra si stanno traducendo in penoso rischio di impoverimento del paesaggio pugliese, per la relativa facilità Torino, April 1st - 2 nd, 2004 177 dell’espianto e della vendita degli esemplari più pregevoli esteticamente. Nonostante l’impegno di istituzioni e cittadini la Puglia perde giornalmente significativi pezzi della sua identità. Ulivi secolari si acquistano, spendendo dai 2 a 8-10 mila euro a pianta, e vengono richiesti per arredare i giardini del nord Italia e dell’Europa centrale. Le dimensioni del problema determinano la estrema difficoltà di schedatura di tutti gli esemplari rappresentativi e la complessità di varare norme che vietino l’espianto senza confliggere con le esigenze produttive e con il diritto dei proprietari. L’unica normativa di riferimento è una vecchia legge emanata da Umberto II: il decreto legislativo luogotenenziale n. 475 “Divieto di abbattimento di alberi d’olivo” del luglio 1945. La norma è nata nell’immediato dopoguerra per limitare la tendenza all’espianto di ulivi per ricavarne legna da ardere, con il fine di tutelare la produzione. La norma prevede il divieto di abbattimento di alberi di olivo oltre il numero di cinque ogni biennio, tranne in caso di morte fisiologica degli alberi, permanente improduttività o eccessiva fittezza dell’impianto. Attualmente si stanno perseguendo due vie per la tutela di questo patrimonio. Una di analisi e raccolta dati per una maggiore comprensione del problema, l’altra di maggiore sensibilizzazione della popolazione e di raccolta dei dati. I primi risultati mostrano che gli ulivi pluricentenari sono raramente presenti in forma isolata, più spesso sono raccolti in appezzamenti agricoli piuttosto omogenei. E’ il caso di Mass. Pettolecchia, nei pressi di Fasano (Br) dove è stato messo in evidenza che vi sono 3000 ulivi pluricentenari, alcuni dei quali millenari, in una relativamente ridotta superficie aziendale. Tali aree possono comunque essere messe in evidenza con l’uso di ortofoto carte, grazie al caratteristico sesto di impianto irregolare, che una volta individuato può essere verificato attraverso l’analisi diretta dei siti. Resta da definire il modo con il quale intervenire sotto il profilo normativo per tutelare questi particolari paesaggi produttivi. Per una maggiore azione di sensibilizzazione si sta procedendo con la creazione di una scheda di censimento specifica per l’ulivo. Infatti i caratteri morfologici che individuano le specie di interesse forestale (diametro del tronco, altezza dell’albero) non si adattano all’ulivo. La nuova scheda si basa piuttosto su alcune caratteristiche del tronco (forma spiralata, aspetto dell’apparato radicale, ecc.). Con questo sistema sarà facilitata l’individuazione degli esemplari isolati ed anche dei contesti più rappresentativi, accanto ad un’azione di sensibilizzazione dei cittadini. Non si tratta ancora della soluzione del problema, ma certamente di un’azione che riteniamo potrà portare in tempi medio-brevi ad una forte riduzione dell’espianto e traffico di pezzi del nostro paesaggio. 178 International Congress on The Trees of History

MONUMENTAL TREES AND RELICT VEGETATIONAL FORMATIONS OF THE PROVINCE OF MATERA: INTERVENTIONS OF PROTECTION AND VALUE INCREASE E.L. De Capua, C. Rugge

1. Introduction The former denomination “Lucania” of Regione Basilicata, evokes what once was the natural landscape of this Region, dominated by the forest (lucus) and testifying its ancient sylvan-pastoral origins. Also the lucanian forest landscape has suffered deep modifications through the ages. Nevertheless interesting traditions have remained intact, which are tightly connected to ancient uses and customs of the various civilizations that alternated in the territory at different times. They concern celebrations and cults devoted to trees. The presence of important forest resources, characterizing the Province of Matera, has stimulated different studies, in particular on the relict vegetational realities, being rare ones, as well as on the suggestive monumental trees that grow within its territory. Such natural resources, connected to their historical and cultural aspects, represent fundamental elements to build up an educational knowledge path about the environment, underlining the signs that the human and natural history have handed down to us. In order to reach this goal, the Province of Matera has started and extended a series of interventions, aimed at protecting and raising the value of the forest resource in general and in particular of the unusual patrimony represented by the monumental trees. These deserve to be preserved for their noteworthy scientific-cultural and aesthetical value, being, moreover, important testimonies of the native Italian wood patrimony.

2. History and cult of the tree in the province of Matera Traditions and historical references about forests and trees offer very interesting hints for the Lucanian territory and particularly for the province of Matera. The Greek civilization, that mainly concerned the Metapontino Plain, introduced new cults and religious forms, to be identified in the natural cycles. In the classical age trees were object of cult and “humanized”, as it happened for instance for Dafne, the mythical nymph transformed into laurel, or for the fantastic forests populated by splendid female divinities called Driadi. Already between the III and the VI century B.C., in the territory of Policoro (the ancient Heraclea), the first laws concerning forest matters were passed. They still represent the only document regarding the forest ecosystem in pre-Roman Age. Besides offering accurate indications on the type of environment at those times, these laws, written on bronze boards, enacted the obligation for farmers to replace the trees that had been cut along the Agri river banks with others of the same species. In this way the lands that were sacred to Dionisio and Atena would not be deprived of their natural beauties. In the Roman Age the cult of the Italic god Silvano was widespread in the valley of the river Sele. It was the god of the woods and the countryside, to whom Autumn propitiatory rites were devoted. In the following centuries, the reduction of the forest surface mostly concerned the hilly areas, that allowed better general conditions of life compared with the ones in coast and mountain areas. In particular in the Lucanian territory, the work of deforestation continued despite the special Law for the Basilicata passed in the 1904, better known as Zanardelli Law, aimed at somehow stopping the devastation of Lucanian woods. As in the rest of Italy, with the advent of Fascism, also in Basilicata the reforestation and realization of urban parks favored a progressive change of the forest landscape. In fact both the area of the Ionian coast and the one of the Materan hill, are dominated by the presence of artificial settings of conifers, with a prevalence of Pinus halepensis, replacing the natural formations merely reduced to relict evidence today. The ancient pagan cult linked to the wood and tree is still strongly felt today by Lucanian people and brought back to life through the celebrations of the “May”, celebrating the nuptial rite between the prince of the trunks (Quercus cerris) and its top (Ilex aquifolium).

3. Vegetational patrimony and monumental trees The natural environment of Basilicata shows extremely heterogeneous physical and biological characteristics to which different vegetational landscapes correspond: from the hilly to the mountain system, from the torrential basin to the duny environment and the damp zones, from the natural parks to the reservations, not to forget the artificial reforestations, the urban parks and the gardens. Torino, April 1st - 2 nd, 2004 179

The whole Region belongs to the Mediterranean climatic area, boasting the presence of almost all its vegetational Plains. Within the Lucanian territory, in fact, you can find groups of plants belonging to the thermo-Mediterranean Plain, that is strongly characterized by the presence of thermopile vegetation, in particular sclerofilles such as the oleo-lentiscetis and the Mediterranean pines. Or you can find vegetation belonging to the meso-Mediterranean Plain where you can easily see the Leccio (Quercus ilex) and the thorny Oak (Quercus coccifera). Moving from the valley of the Basento upward, these plains are overhung by the supra-Mediterranean plain, with its characteristic deciduous oak woods, and by zones belonging to the Mountain Mediterranean plain, where areas of forest with Abies alba grow. In particular in the Province of Matera important relict vegetational evidence has survived. The Wood of Policoro (Oriented Natural Reservation managed by the Province) represents the last remains of what was the luxuriant forest “maze of tall and deciduous trees “, described by Norman Douglas, in 1907, when the English writer measured, inside the “dense brushwood”, a lentisco having a three meter circumference. The present remains of the wood represent what is left of the two complexes called “wood of the Pantano soprano “ and “wood of the Pantano sottano”, that were, up to some decades ago, one of the widest plain forests in Southern Italy. It is a hydric wood linked to the Carici-fraxinetum angustifoliae, dominated by the ossifillo Ash tree, with the presence of numerous other species, among which the Rural Elm, the Farnia, the black Ontano, the Poplars and the Laurel. When not subjected to systematic wood culture interventions, this forest had arboreal specimens of considerable size, reduced to sporadic samples today. Different areas of the Province of Matera along the Ionian coast belong to the same context. Here important shrubby formations of the Mediterranean bush grow with a prevalence of juniper and lentisco. The latter is present at various stages, from the gariga to the tall bush, where the shrubby elements often exceptionally assume arboreal forms. Among these, numerous specimens could be considered monumental trees due to the exceptional sizes and the age, as well as their strange forms forged by the main wind, blowing from the sea. In the province of Matera, within the territory of the “ Teresa Forest “, isolated specimens of Juniperus macrocarpa, whose age has been assessed about 110 years, have been individuated. In the Materan Comune of Montescaglioso, within the area called “the Monks’ Olive-grove”, a small wood area of about half hectare still exists, mainly composed of specimens of Pinus halepensis. In this group, formed by numerous plants of more than one century, a specimen of over 110 years stands out. This specimen has got a trunk with a four meter circumference growing up to about three meters and splitting itself into two big branches of 70 cm of diameter each. Moreover there are numerous specimens of deciduous oaks, typical of the upper plain, of exceptional massive structure and longevity. Among the innumerable examples, a specimen of Quercus pubescens, growing in the place called “Calla” , in the Comune of Tricarico, stands out. Its age has been estimated to be 600 years. It seems to be the oldest plant in whole Lucania, having a height of 16 m. and a trunk circumference of 6,25 m. A further example of the extraordinary longevity of this specimen is in the area called “ Pocco Hill “ in Oliveto Lucano. The “Cersone”, as it is called by the inhabitants of Oliveto, is more than one hundred years, a height of 18 m. and a circumference of 5,30 m. Among the suggestive calanchis of the Comune of Pomarico, in the area of “ Melito Plain “, four stately specimens of Pinus pinea grow. Their age has been estimated to be about 160 years. They have a height of 30 m. and trunk circumference between 2 and 3.5 m. The following table sums up a list of the main plants having a particular naturalistic and landscape value to be protected according to the Regional Law n. 42 of 22-5-1980, passed with Decree by the President of the Regional Assembly of January 4 th 1988 n.3.

Tab.1 - List of the trees having major naturalistic and landscape value in the Province of Matera

Kind Common Place Età(anni) C1,30(cm) Htot Posizione Salix babylonica Aliano Acinello 25 175 14 isolated Tamarixgallica Matera Cilvestri 50 140 3,50 isolated Juniperusmacrocarpa Matera Forest Teresa 100 160 12 isolated Phoenixdactiliphera Matera BorgoLa Hammers 100 220 8 isolated Rhamnusalaternus Matera Forest Teresa 50 70 4 isolated Quercus trojana Matera Farm S.Francesco 100 150 12 in group Pinushalepensis Montesca-glioso Olive-grove deiMonaci 100 370 25 in group 180 International Congress on The Trees of History

Taxodium disticum Pomarico S. Felice 150 80 20 in group Quercus pubescens OlivetoLucano Calle lily Rocco 300 530 18 isolated Pinushalepensis OlivetoLucano Olive-grove / Accettura 50 270 18 isolated Trembling Populus OlivetoLucano Scarrone 50 115 14 in to spin Pinus pinea Pomarico Plan MelitoDemanio 150 307 30 in group Salyxbabylonica Salandra Villa 35 80 12 isolated Quercus pubescens Tricarico Calle lily 600 680 16 isolated

Fig. 1 An ancient Ceratonia siliqua in Montescaglioso (MT)

4. Interventions of protection and value raise

The Province of Matera intends to continue with the activity of preservation and value raise of its own forest patrimony, by promoting a series of scientific and historical - naturalistic studies aimed at defining the most appropriate ways of action and intervention. It has undertaken for a long time scientific and geo-historical studies on the relict woods and on the numerous monumental trees of the Province. The necessity of an interdisciplinary approach is of fundamental importance, also because of the complexity of the territory and the problems concerning the preservation of monumental trees. Such trees, being ancient and very big specimens, need phytosanitary analysis, to prevent deterioration to take place, and investigations about their stability. To such purpose the Province of Matera proposes to collect the necessary data for the management and application of the appropriate culture measures to adopt within a short period and over a longer one. The numerous activities and implications coming out around a monumental tree have given the idea for the institution of an Observatory on the relict woods and the monumental trees of the Province of Matera. Given the institutional role of the Province, the realization of informative didactic material on the monumental trees and what they represent is considered to be of fundamental importance. The idea of promoting the monumental tree areas with a series of initiatives connected to the local traditions is to be placed in the same context. So that the places and the selected trees will not remain a closed reality but a well known one that the public can enjoy, the realization of a suitable cartography is also essential. This will be followed by the realization, where possible, of a series of paths, conceived in such a way to focus the public attention on the important natural aspects and on the particularities that can be seen there.

Conclusions The structural and composition particularities of some woods contribute to define some communities of considerable naturalistic value and, as to the monumental trees, some rare examples of longevity and bulk, deeply connected to the culture and the popular traditions of the territory. The census of the monumental trees taken till today represents only a part Torino, April 1st - 2 nd, 2004 181 of the vegetational patrimony of the Province that needs to be analyzed with greater detail. The importance currently assumed by the monumental tree as a source of important anthropological –territorial information, requires an appropriate scientific and historical - geographical search to be spread. Having been recognized the essential value by now assumed by the environmental tourism, the natural resources currently represent a crucial expectation of the traveler. The relict woods and the monumental trees can represent, if correctly managed and protected, a precious resource also in the field of the ecotourism and a further opportunity for the smaller centers situated in the marginal territories of the Province.

Bibliography

ADAMESTEANU D., 1974 - La Basilicata antica. Di Mauro Editore. CARELLI G., DE CAPUA E. L., LABRIOLA F., 2002 - Indagine preliminare sullo stato dei rimboschimenti costieri del litorale Jonico di Policoro (MT). legno celulosa Carta, n.2 DE CAPUA E. L., 1995 – Rinaturalizzazione delle pinete litoranee. Progetto redatto per la Provincia di Matera. DE C APUA E. L.,1995 – “Il bosco di Policoro: vicende storiche e caratteri vegetazionali”. Annali Accademia Italiana di Scienze Forestali, Vol. 44. GUALDI V., 1988. The maintenance and the improvement of the woods of the re3gionis center - southern peninsular. National II° Congresso of forestry. Venice, 24-27 giugno,1998s SPICCIARELLI R., 1996. You plant with trees Fathers The monumental trees of Lucani. Regional suggestion of Basilicata.