Leader Hernández heads ‘Tree Army’ in safeguarding trees in Mexico City

In southern Mexico City, Arturo Hernández, also known as El Comandante, leads a group called The Tree Army, dedicated to protecting and enhancing the urban forest of Mexico City. Hernández, a well-known community activist, formed the group in May after receiving numerous reports of vandalized trees in the city. The Tree Army’s mission includes tasks such as removing unauthorized concrete around tree roots, addressing illegal tree cutting, and planting trees in areas lacking greenery.

Hernández emphasizes the importance of caring for the environment at a local level, highlighting the significance of trees in providing shade, reducing pollution, and mitigating flooding, especially crucial in a city like Mexico City that grapples with these environmental challenges. His previous initiative, Los Supercivicos, which tackles community issues through humor and satire, paved the way for The Tree Army’s formation.

Despite a core group of only five or six members, The Tree Army has been successful in garnering widespread support. Hernández’s videos documenting their efforts have gained substantial views, and the group has responded to numerous reports of tree vandalism. Common complaints include businesses cutting down trees for visibility, improper tree trimming, and covering tree bases with concrete.

The Tree Army’s actions have not always been met with support, with Hernández recounting instances of being threatened. However, he remains dedicated to using humor and education to address opposition. Urban tree expert María Toledo Garibaldi commended The Tree Army’s work, noting that citizen-led groups are often compensating for governmental inaction in tree conservation efforts.

While the city has programs in place for tree care, Fanny Ruiz Palacios of the city’s Secretariat of the Environment mentioned that maintenance along secondary roads falls under the jurisdiction of borough governments. Despite obstacles, The Tree Army persists in their mission, as visible when they successfully liberated an ash tree from encroaching concrete, eliciting cheers and camaraderie from onlookers and participants alike.

Resident Humberto Cruz, who joined the tree-saving endeavor, expressed his motivation, stating his desire to preserve the environment for future generations. Through grassroots efforts like The Tree Army, community members are taking proactive steps to safeguard and improve Mexico City’s urban forest in the face of environmental challenges.