Monumental trees: regulation, awareness and preservation

Abstract

This work highlights how in Italy a legal definition of “monumental tree”, valid throughout the national territory and able to guarantee these great green patriarchs fair and univocal preservation, is still lacking. There is a growing interest in natural sciences and in forestry, for trees that can be defined as monumental, because of their size, age, shape of crown, location and historic and cultural value. Starting from the census of monumental trees made in 1982 by the Italian State Forest Service, the regulatory initiatives on monumental trees in Italy are examined, with reference also to other European countries. Conclusions show the importance of a consistent and shared approach to preserve these invaluable biological and cultural entities.