Rome’s Iconic Pines Felled After Safety Concerns & Climate Impact

The iconic umbrella pines lining Via dei Fori Imperiali, a major thoroughfare in Rome, are undergoing felling, a move impacting both the city’s landscape and its tourism sector. The removal of these trees, some approximately 120 years old, began on Friday, February 13, 2026, and follows an incident where a pine tree collapsed on February 1st, injuring three people.

A Symbol of Rome Under Threat

Via dei Fori Imperiali stretches from Piazza Venezia to the Colosseum, and is flanked by significant historical sites. To the right lie the ruins of the Roman Forum, while to the left are the remains of Trajan’s Market. The street is considered one of Rome’s most scenic, rivaling in prominence only to St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican in terms of tourist destinations.

Did You Know? Via dei Fori Imperiali was constructed in 1932 to reveal and highlight the Imperial Forums – the Forum of Trajan, the Forum of Augustus, and the Forum of Nerva – previously obscured by buildings.

Safety Concerns and Climate Change

The felling is a result of inspections conducted after the February 1st incident. Of the 54 historical trees examined by arborists, 12 were found to be at risk of collapse due to rot. The city of Rome stated that the affected trees were weakened by their age, past human intervention, planting in limited spaces, and instability caused by extreme weather events.

Recent extreme weather patterns in Rome, including unusually heavy rainfall, have contributed to the trees’ deterioration. January 2026 was reportedly one of the three wettest Januarys since 1782, described by meteorologist Lorenzo Tedici as “English weather.”

Expert Insight: The situation highlights the increasing vulnerability of urban infrastructure, including historic trees, to the effects of climate change. The concentration of rainfall and strong winds, combined with existing vulnerabilities, creates a heightened risk of collapse, necessitating difficult decisions regarding public safety, and preservation.

Mario Uniformi, president of the National Council of Agronomists and Foresters, told Corriere della Sera that climate change is making challenging conditions more frequent. A report from Italy’s meteorological institute indicates that Rome has experienced a temperature increase of 2.3 degrees Celsius since the 1970s, making it the Italian city most affected by climate change.

Looking Ahead

The city plans to replant new pine trees, but it will take time for them to mature and provide the same level of shade for tourists. Via dei Fori Imperiali remains closed to both vehicles and pedestrians as the tree removal continues. If similar weather patterns persist, further assessments and potential tree removals could be necessary. The long-term impact on tourism remains to be seen, but the loss of these iconic trees will undoubtedly alter the experience for visitors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What prompted the removal of the trees?

The removal was prompted by the collapse of a pine tree on February 1st, which injured three people, and subsequent inspections revealing that 12 trees were at risk of collapse due to rot.

Where is Via dei Fori Imperiali located?

Via dei Fori Imperiali runs from Piazza Venezia to the Colosseum, and is flanked by the ruins of the Roman Forum and Trajan’s Market.

What is contributing to the trees’ deterioration?

The trees are weakened by their age, human intervention, limited planting spaces, and instability caused by extreme weather events, including heavy rainfall and fluctuating temperatures.

As Rome navigates the challenges of preserving its historical landscape in the face of climate change, what steps might other cities take to proactively address similar risks to their iconic urban trees?