Assesing the Monumental Willow Trees of Romania

The life of monumental trees has been fascinating throughout time due to their important cultural, botanical, symbolic or landscape value as well. Besides this, they are a hub for biodiversity as a result of their large girth, great height and impressive age. The aim of the research was to identify and measure the monumental willow trees of Romania and to register their main data. Apart from dendrometric data, their health status was included in order to better understand their actual vegetation status. In total a number of 25 monumental willow specimens were identified and measured. The trees are located on the premises of localities, within the radius of 14 counties. The most frequent species with monumental dimensions of the genus Salix is White willow (Salix alba; 13 specimens) and Weeping willow (Salix babylonica; 9 specimens). Most of the specimens were located in park areas (32%) or on the river banks (28%). In terms of health status, 40% of the measured trees are in very good and good condition and 60% are having a bad vegetation condition. Due to their benefits and attractiveness, any research regarding monumental trees is greatly appreciated and additionally, all the monumental specimens must receive legal protection at the local or national level as soon as possible.