Linden trees trimmed in Parikkala to facilitate transport for foreign client

This week, around 200 linden trees are being trimmed along the village street in Parikkala, near the eastern border of Southeast Finland. Arborists, or tree care specialists, are cutting back branches from the trees lining the municipality’s main thoroughfare to clear a path for large specialist transport vehicles. These transports must navigate beneath the branches without making contact.

The transports will travel from Savonlinna to the Hamina-Kotka port and onward to a foreign client. This operation involves a series of special transports commissioned by a major equipment manufacturer for the pulp industry. Several of these transports are scheduled over the coming weeks.

According to Tapani Mäkelä, head of the arborist team working on the project, new trees will be planted in place of those that are being trimmed. The oldest linden trees along the street are approximately 40 to 50 years old.

The special transport requires a clearance of seven meters, while the average height of urban tree branches is typically around 4.8 meters. Mäkelä noted that while some trees are being pruned heavily, it is the best option to ensure their survival and proper growth.

He emphasized the harsh conditions city trees face, including limited growing space and root areas, which are regularly excavated. “The tree benefits from the pruning, as it allows for its natural growth pattern,” said Mäkelä.

He also remarked that maintaining urban trees is a more favorable choice than removing them, as they provide shade and cooling for buildings, contributing to a more sustainable environment. As urbanization continues, the need for trees will only increase.