Playa del Carmen, Q.R. — A large popular tree growing between two apartment buildings along Fifth Avenue is being relocated. Crews arrived Wednesday to start the pruning process so the 12-meter tall tree can be moved.
The decision to move the tree was made after municipal Civil Protection inspected the tree and determined it to pose a risk. Personnel inspected the tree after an area resident filed a complaint with Civil Protection reporting a chemical spill near the tree that caused it to turn color.
According to PDC arborist Rafael Reynoso Valdés, Civil Protection responded to that citizen report and while reviewing the tree, noticed an insecure root system. From that, municipal Civil Protection decided to remove it, however, Reynoso Valdés said a rescue plan was drawn up instead.
Crews were at the site on Avenida 5 Bis between 38 and 40 Wednesday where they began cutting branches for its transfer. Numerous residents voiced concerns about having the healthy tree removed since it not only beautifies the street, but also provides shade for the nearby apartments.
Contrary to citizen assessments, Reynoso Valdés said he determined that although the tree does look healthy, it does not have good anchorage. Instead of cutting it down, the tree will be pruned until it can pass through city streets.
The 12-meter tall popular tree will then head up the federal highway where it will be replanted in a median in front of Mayakoba.
