Finestrat takes steps to preserve olive tree with a history

A CENTURIES old olive tree in Finestrat has been included in the Valencian Community’s catalogue of monumental trees. The tree in the l’Alfas district is seven metres high and has a diameter of more than six metres.

Because of its listed status, the town hall has taken steps to preserve the tree and guarantee its survival.

“We shall go to considerable lengths to look after this olive tree because of its obvious individuality and because we are firmly committed to protecting Finestrat’s natural heritage,” said Environment councillor Tomas Selles and one of the department’s experts, Felipe Martinez.

The area around the tree has been cleared of weeds and vegetation and a low dry-stone wall built round it, leaving a wide margin to prevent cars from parking too near.  From now on this will make it easier for the Environment department to water the olive and apply fertiliser when needed.