Over 1,000 monumental trees that survived the fire to be provided with care

* Photo: Anadolu Agency (AA)

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According to its examinations so far, Turkey's Ministry of Environment and Urbanization has found out that none of the monumental trees burned in the forest fires in the Aegean province of Muğla.

The Ministry has placed over 1,000 monumental trees under care and restoration, considering that they may be affected by extreme heat later on.

NOTE: In the forest fires that broke out in late July and continued till mid-August, 12,935 hectares of forestland were razed in Marmaris, 11,898 hectares in Bodrum and 1,629 hectares in Köyceğiz.

Rotten textures to be cleared

As part of the ministry's efforts of care and restoration of the monumental trees, the rotten textures on the trees will be cleared, the necessary disinfestation will be done and pine tar will be applied so that the resilience of trees to insects and fungi will be increased, the dry branches of trees will be eliminated and the trees will be watered regularly.

The Ministry of Environment and Urbanization will finalize its restoration and care efforts for monumental trees in Muğla, especially in the districts of Bodrum, Marmaris, Köyceğiz, by the end of this year.

Moreover, the potential monumental trees in the region will be identified, certified and taken under protection. The same care and restoration efforts will also be made for these monumental trees

Restoration of 1,800-year-old plane tree completed

As reported by the state-run Anadolu Agency (AA), while the fire was still raging in Muğla, the care and restoration of a 1,800-year-old plane tree subjected to extreme heat in Marmaris' Bayır Neighborhood was completed.

The 800-year-old incense trees in Bayır Neighborhood, the 1,400-year-old olive tree in Yatağan district and 800-year-old oriental plane in Bozüyük town have also been placed under care. The same efforts will reportedly apply to the monumental trees in other regions of Turkey.

9,295 monumental trees in Turkey in total

A monumental tree (or a veteran or ancient tree) is a tree which, because of its great age, size or condition, is of exceptional cultural, landscape or nature conservation value. In Turkey, there are 9,295 monumental trees that fall within the jurisdiction and responsibility of the Ministry.

Hit by recent forest fires, Muğla province hosts over 1,000 monumental trees (oriental plane, olive trees, cypresses, etc.) aged between 100 and 2,000. (TP/SD)