Historic Dragon Tree Collapses Outside La Laguna Cathedral
A protected ten-meter-tall dragon tree collapsed outside La Laguna Cathedral in Tenerife this past weekend, prompting officials to launch an investigation into the health and maintenance of the island's historic flora.
A landmark dragon tree outside La Laguna Cathedral collapsed this past weekend, drawing attention to the fragility of historic trees in the Canary Islands. The ten-meter-tall tree, which measured nearly three meters around its trunk, fell into the Plaza de Los Remedios on the night of Saturday, August 15. Fortunately, no one was hurt, and nearby buildings were not damaged.
The tree, which was officially recognized as a protected specimen in Tenerife, fell around 9:30 p.m., blocking a busy pedestrian area. Emergency crews and the Parks and Gardens department cleared the debris by Sunday morning. Fran Hernández, the Councilor for Municipal Services, has ordered a technical investigation to determine why the tree fell, looking into whether recent weather conditions or health issues specific to the species were to blame.
This incident follows the loss of other large trees on the island, including one in Los Realejos earlier this year. These recurring collapses have sparked a conversation about how well protected trees are monitored in World Heritage sites. As experts assess the remaining dragon tree and other plants near the cathedral, the event serves as a reminder that even the most iconic trees require constant care to keep the public safe and preserve the city’s natural heritage.