LOCALS have spotted trees being planted on a busy road in Edinburgh city centre, following floods in the area at the beginning of this year.
Areas of Melville Crescent in the West End were pictured covered in soil yesterday, seemingly ready for new trees and grass to be planted.
This follows construction in the area, which was completed in December, and flooding which occurred just days later – submerging the street underwater.
Whilst some locals are hopeful that the trees may reduce the risks of flooding in the future, others are divided, claiming that the greenery should be a Scottish species.
A resident posted pictures of the street on social media yesterday, showing a van stocked with metal gates for installation around trees, and the area covered in freshly dug soil.
The caption stated: “Scottish natives? Perhaps too much to ask.
“Apparently elm trees from Yorkshire. Hope they’re flood tolerant.”
The post received dozens of likes and comments, with some pointing out that some trees from Yorkshire are resistant to diseases such as Dutch elm disease – a destructive fungus that kills elm trees.
One user said: “Shame, some Scottish Rowan trees would have been nice…”
Another commented: “It’s because Yorkshire created a species that is immune from Dutch elm and other diseases.”
A third replied: “I lived in Yorkshire for a few years.
“Lots of rain, ice and snow. They should fit right in.”
While a fourth added: “I hope that the soft landscaped area will be well maintained.
“[The City of Edinburgh Council’s] record in this respect is not particularly good but maybe in this case it will be better looked after.”
A fifth concluded: “People will moan about anything. They’re planting trees, and in an area prone to flooding. This is good.”
Dutch elm is a fungal disease that has killed over 60 million elm trees since it arrived in the UK in the 1920s.
Since 1977, Edinburgh has taken measures to control the disease, which means that elm trees are still common in the area, but many still become infected.
Advice from the Environment Agency also confirms that trees reduce the risks of flooding by intercepting rainfall and storing water in their roots.
A council spokesperson confirmed that there are six trees being planted that were always planned as part of planned works to improve the area.
These include four lime trees and two elm trees – the species were chosen to be historically accurate to the trees species typically selected during the late 18th century when Melville Crescent was originally built.
They are not related to the flooding issues.
