By the end of 2025, Barcelona will undergo a major transformation: city services are wrapping up a large-scale campaign to restore green spaces damaged by the prolonged drought. Over the two rainless years, the city lost about 7,500 trees. Now, most of them will be replaced with new saplings.
This season, more than 1,800 young trees have already been planted in different districts of Barcelona. The largest number of new plantings appeared in Horta-Guinardó, Nou Barris and Sarrià-Sant Gervasi. By the end of the year, the total number of new trees will reach 6,214, covering 80% of the city’s losses during the drought.
The restoration of green areas is not limited to trees. Authorities are also actively bringing back shrubs and lawns damaged by watering restrictions. Nearly 5 hectares of lawns have already been revived, and over 4 more hectares are planned to be restored by year’s end. Special attention is being paid to selecting plants that are more drought-resistant, so that the city is better equipped to face future climate challenges.
New standards for green space maintenance
Alongside new plantings, irrigation systems are being upgraded. Authorities are rolling out more modern and efficient solutions to minimize water use while ensuring plants get the moisture they need. Flowerbeds and pathways in parks and streets are also being updated, making public spaces more comfortable and attractive for residents.
In recent months, a large-scale tree pruning campaign has also begun. The work will affect more than 5,000 city plantings. Special attention is being given to removing dry and dangerous branches, as well as those that could damage buildings. This not only improves the appearance of the streets but also increases residents’ safety.
Inspection and maintenance of city trees
As part of the comprehensive green maintenance program, specialists have already examined around 120,000 trees—almost half of all the city’s trees. The inspection includes a visual check of the trunks, branches, and palms to quickly spot any potential issues and prevent emergencies.
All of this is part of a major plan to maintain and develop Barcelona’s green spaces. The city is not only restoring lost trees, but also focusing on sustainable development to avoid such severe losses in the face of future climate challenges. Locals are already noting that parks and squares are becoming greener and more comfortable places to relax.
