Dragon Tree at Risk in La Laguna, Group Warns

A local nature group, ATAN (Tenerife Association of Friends of Nature), has raised concerns about a famous dragon tree in La Laguna. They say the tree, located at the Supreme Council of the Canary Islands, is at risk of breaking and falling.

ATAN shared their warning on social media, urging the City Council to act quickly.

The group claims that nearly three months ago, they met with city officials and experts from the Icod Dragon Tree Technical Conservation Committee. During this meeting, they pointed out how serious the tree's condition was.

At that time, one of the technicians mentioned a formal document that had already warned about the tree's high risk of fracturing and outlined what needed to be done to save it.

The association says the dragon tree is leaning over a pedestrian area, and its roots are growing out of its tree pit, looking "suffocated." ATAN fears the tree could eventually fall if nothing is done.

ATAN believes key steps are needed, including bracing the tree with a collar, adding a support prop, and making its tree pit larger.

In their social media post, ATAN also reminded everyone that another dragon tree on Mazurca Street in La Laguna was cut down just months ago. They argue that despite warnings, no action was taken to save that tree, nor has anything been done to secure the one at the Supreme Council.

In response, the Parks and Gardens department of the La Laguna City Council told DIARIO DE AVISOS that the Supreme Council's dragon tree has been watched closely for years.

The council stated they have looked into different ways to support the tree's main branches, aiming to find the best technical and conservation solution.

They added that on December 16, they instructed their contractor to put the chosen support system in place.

At the same time, plans are underway to enlarge the tree pit and add fencing around it. This work has already been designed and checked by experts, and is expected to start soon.

The council also mentioned they are working with the Urban Planning Department to conduct studies for a larger support structure, which would ensure the tree's long-term stability and health.

ATAN's recent warning follows a controversial incident on November 4, 2025, when a dragon tree at 9 Mazurca Street was cut down. This sparked a heated debate between environmental groups and local authorities.

The City Council defended its decision, saying reports showed the tree, located on private land, was diseased.

However, ATAN accused the council of failing to protect natural heritage, claiming the city knew the tree was about to be cut down.

The association also criticized the company that owned the land, stating they would reveal its identity and related businesses.

The issue of dragon trees in La Laguna has recently become a political topic. On December 11, 2025, the La Laguna City Council unanimously passed a motion proposed by Councillor Carmen Peña of the Drago Verdes Canarias group. The motion aims to strengthen protection for Canary Island dragon trees in the area.

This initiative came after complaints about the state of dragon trees on private land, some over 75 years old. Concerns included the removal of protective barriers, nearby machinery, and ground disturbance. The motion highlighted that the Canary Island dragon tree is a vital part of the region's natural heritage, protected by laws like the Spanish Catalogue of Protected Species and the Catalogue of Singular Trees of the Canary Islands.

The approved measures include updating the local tree catalog, creating a city-wide list of protected trees, developing specific rules for dragon tree protection, overseeing public and private construction projects, and banning decorative uses that could harm these trees.