Espais Verds del Vallès has recently completed a project for the Olesa de Bonesvalls City Council. This initiative focused on reducing tree density, clearing undergrowth and creating new service roads in the perimeter zone around the urban core and the Olesa de Bonesvalls Hospital neighbourhood. The main objective of these efforts is to prevent forest fires, ensuring the safety and well-being of the local community.

 

OBJECTIVES AND SCOPE OF THE PROJECT IN OLESA DE BONESVALLS

 

The project aimed to create a low-combustibility perimeter zone around Olesa de Bonesvalls. This was planned and executed in two main phases: the construction of service roads and loading areas, followed by reducing tree density and clearing undergrowth. The works were carried out over five weeks, with three weeks dedicated to the urban area and two weeks to the Hospital neighbourhood

 

Phase 1 – Construction of service roads and loading areas

 

Planning and marking

The first step in Phase 1 was the detailed planning and marking of the service roads and loading areas. This involved close collaboration between Olesa de Bonesvalls Council and the Espais Verds del Vallès team to ensure that everything was correctly positioned according to the project plans.

 

Phase 2 – Reduction of tree density and clearing of undergrowth in the urban core and hospital neighbourhood of Olesa de Bonesvalls

 

Planning and marking

As in Phase 1, the initial step was to mark the boundaries of the work area, the locations of the loading areas and the trees that were to be felled.

 

Tree felling and prioritisation

Tree felling followed a set of criteria:

  • Maximum density: maximum 150 trees per hectare.
  • Spacing requirements: trees were spaced at least 8 metres apart, with a minimum of 4 metres between tree crowns and the edge of built-up plots.
  • Priority species: trees were felled according to their flammability, starting with the most flammable species such as White Pine (Pinus halepensis) and progressing to less flammable species.

 

 

Handling of special trees

Special trees near infrastructure required careful handling to avoid damage. Methods included:

  • Cable support: trees were secured with cables attached to tractors or winches, ensuring controlled falls.
  • Felling at height: for large trees, a bucket crane truck was used to cut the tree into sections.

 

Undergrowth clearing and use of debris

Undergrowth clearing involved reducing shrub cover to a maximum of 15% in mature forests and 35% in scrub and young forest areas. Species were prioritized for removal based on their flammability.

 

 

All cleared vegetation and tree debris was processed:

  • Chipping on site: vegetation was chipped into pieces no larger than 20 centimeters, which were evenly distributed to prevent regrowth.
  • Loading areas: tree felling debris was transported to designated loading areas for further processing, ensuring that it did not impact roads or public area.

 

 

EXECUTION AND EXPERIENCE

 

Schedule and human team of Espais Verds del Vallès

The project was executed within the stipulated schedule, with work in the urban area completed in three weeks and in the Hospital neighborhood in two weeks. The Espais Verds del Vallès team was made up of professionals with specialised training in forestry operations, ensuring compliance with safety and environmental standards.

 

Equipment and machinery

Espais Verds used a variety of machinery, including tractors, winches, crane trucks and chippers, to carry out the work efficiently and safely.

 

Espais Verds del Vallès has once again demonstrated its expertise in reducing fire risks around Olesa de Bonesvalls, improving community safety, and demonstrating commitment to the preservation and management of natural spaces.

 

We take care of our clients and we take care of the environment.
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Do you need efficient waste management or more information about the services we offer at TMA? Write to us at comercial@tma.es and we will be happy to provide you with a personalized proposal, fully adapted to your needs.

 

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