Vandals Attack Historic Horse-Chestnut Trees Near Garda

This is a bona fide attack carried out in recent days. The target: the centuries-old horse-chestnut trees lining the entrance avenue to the historic center of the town in the immediate hinterland of Garda. These vegetal patriarchs were planted, according to some experts, as far back as the Risorgimento period, during the Battle of San Martino and Solferino.

These trees, in their long lifetime, have witnessed the transformation of society—from early times when horse-drawn carriages and donkey carts traversed the avenue Roma, to the first automobiles, and finally to the chaotic and polluting modern traffic. They have stood watch, shedding bitter chestnuts and leaves onto the street surface with seasonal changes; more recently, also dry branches. They have endured time’s wear and tear, smog, and even human threats.

The attack on the trees

Several trees have exhausted their life cycle, and once dried out, they were cut down. But nothing can deter these attacks. A case unique in the chronicles has confirmed that five horse-chestnuts have turned yellow and are withering these days after an intervention by unidentified individuals who entered the scene armed with a drill and poison.

This was confirmed yesterday morning by municipal gardeners tasked with the first maintenance and cleaning operations on the trees, as decided by the new municipal administration. “We noticed,” explains Emilio Baresi, the environmental councilor, “that some trees suddenly turned yellow. It was found that at the base of five horse-chestnuts, about 20 centimeters above the ground, holes had been drilled with a wood drill.”

Then, a liquid presumed to be toxic had been injected. The municipal technician collected samples of the substance, which will be analyzed to determine its composition. Simultaneously, the authorities were informed, and a formal complaint was filed with the Carabinieri.

Reactions and investigations

“This is an attack on the green heritage of the municipality,” declares without hesitation Morando Perini, the mayor, “while he is engaged in protecting and restoring the avenue, even through concrete projects. There are those working to destroy the trees while efforts are being made, with many difficulties to overcome, to save as many as possible.”

He is convinced that the culprits are local residents from Lonato, not outsiders. “It’s a truly bitter truth.” Now, city technicians have begun monitoring all the horse-chestnuts along the avenue, one of the most beautiful in Lombardy, which has survived the insults of time and years.

They have also taken into account the smog caused by intense traffic along the state road until a few years ago. So much so that Anas, considering the fragility of the branches, repeatedly urged years ago for the trees to be cut back. The municipality opposed this, saving the trees through drastic pruning instead.

Now, with the construction of the new bypass, the road has become municipal. The new administration is determined to save these vegetal patriarchs. But nothing can prevent the reckless actions of vandals who could strike at any moment, as has already happened.