Rzeszów Cuts Two Trees Near Olszynki Park Tower
City officials say the trees removed Olszynki Park were unsafe. The removal was permitted and new plantings will follow.
Two large poplars came down this week beside the Olszynki Park tower in Rzeszów. The trees removed Olszynki Park sparked immediate worry among residents.
Legal process and immediate reasons
The city authorized the removal after expert reports. Consequently, crews from the Municipal Utilities Company carried out the work. Moreover, the office of the Mayor confirmed the cut had all required permits. An arborist found serious internal decay and fungal rot in both poplars. Therefore, officials argued the trees posed a real risk to pedestrians. In addition, ornithologists inspected the trees. However, they found no active bird nests before removal.
What experts found on site
The dendrological report described reduced and asymmetric crowns. It also listed many broken branches and large amounts of dry wood. Consequently, the report warned that limbs could fall without warning. Moreover, the city reminded residents that similar incidents happened before. For example, a heavy branch fell in April 2024. In October 2025, a tree collapse destroyed a private car. Therefore, local authorities said action became urgent.
trees removed Olszynki Park: concerns about development
Many locals feared the removal signaled new development. However, the city denied any plan to expand the nearby parking lot. The land remains municipal, the city said. In addition, officials noted that the regional marshal issued permission for removal in June. Consequently, the process met Polish legal rules. Moreover, the city promised transparency about any future changes to the area.
Replacement planting and long-term plans
The city must replace removed trees by law. Therefore, it plans to plant more trees than it cut down. Specifically, the municipality will plant four London plane trees. In addition, it will add two pedunculate oaks. Moreover, the new trees will sit away from the tower footprint. Consequently, officials hope to avoid a repeat of this hazard. The city also said it will monitor the health of nearby trees more closely.
City officials framed the removal as a public-safety measure. However, residents still ask questions about planning transparency. In addition, neighbors asked for clearer notices before future cuts. Moreover, the case highlights how aging urban trees can create sudden hazards. Therefore, many Polish cities now balance green space with safety and liability concerns.
Source: Read original article
📚 Looking for more help settling in Poland? Browse our complete Expat Guides.

