Management of Barcelona’s green spaces

Having a high quality of life also means having a greener city, where everyone can enjoy contact with natural elements close to home. 

Barcelona has a widespread network of valuable green spaces throughout the city:
 

35,3%

green infrastructure in Barcelona

1.145,43

hectares of public green space

+600

public parks and gardens

Therefore, the care and maintenance of parks and gardens is essential to preserve the beauty and functionality of these spaces, which are crucial not only for health but also for social well-being and interpersonal relationships. 

How do we do it?

The Municipal Institute of Parks and Gardens is responsible for managing the public green areas in the city, including parks, gardens, street trees, flower beds, planters, etc.

It carries out meticulous and efficient management, adapting maintenance tasks to the specific needs of each space throughout the year and taking into account the growth cycles of different species. 

It is important to note that each park and garden is unique, with its own characteristics that require personalised maintenance. Furthermore, the tasks performed not only aim to enhance the aesthetic appeal but also ensure the health and good condition of the vegetation to preserve it.

If the spaces are heritage sites, their maintenance takes into account their historical characteristics; if they are biodiversity areas, the focus is on preserving the wild characteristics of the vegetation; and if they are urban spaces, the high foot traffic and the different ways the spaces are used is taken into consideration.

Environmental management of resources

Applying environmental criteria in the management and maintenance of green spaces is essential.

For this reason: 

  • We green the fleet of vehicles and machinery to reduce the pollution associated with their use.
  • We optimise energy use and make it more effective.
  • We optimise irrigation water use to be more efficient.
  • We minimise the production of both organic and inorganic waste and improve its management.
  • We eliminate non-biodegradable weed barrier fabrics.

Maintenance of green spaces

The maintenance of green spaces includes:

  • Irrigation
  • Pruning and trimming
  • Mowing and clearing
  • Weed management
  • Soil preparation and improvement, and planting
  • Repair of gravel pathways 
  • Maintenance of urban furniture and playground areas
  • Maintenance of infrastructure (irrigation systems, etc.)

Action Plans and Pla Endreça

Quarterly scheduled maintenance activities include pruning, cleaning of tree pits, maintenance of perennial plants, etc.

Additionally, Pla Endreça focuses on improving public spaces with targeted actions in different green areas, such as manually cleaning tree pits and upgrading planters.