Rome's iconic umbrella pines, as emblematic as the city's ancient ruins, are under threat from a deadly parasite. The pine tortoise scale, an insect native to North America, has infested 80% of the estimated one million pines across streets, parks, and coastal areas. The parasite can kill a tree within two to three years.
In response, Nicola Zingaretti, president of the Lazio region, announced €500,000 (£435,000) to combat the infestation. Describing the pines as 'a natural and cultural part of the city's heritage that must be preserved,' Zingaretti stated that immediate action is needed after delays caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
The plan may involve injecting treatments into tree trunks to fight the parasite, which feeds on sap and bark, causing black mould and needle loss. The pest arrived in Campania in 2014, devastating pines near Naples, before spreading to Rome. Heritage group Italia Nostra warned of a 'mass intervention' as trees are 'about to die out.'
In some areas, cutting down dying trees has sparked protests. Resident Silvia Barbati lamented, 'The pine trees are the identity of the neighbourhood, and cutting them down is like taking away a piece of history.' She criticised poor maintenance, urging year-round care rather than only before elections.
