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More Trees and Green Spaces for the City: The Isla Natura Project in Palmas Altas, Seville, Spain

01/01/2020 - 00:00

Isla Natura in Palmas Altas is Seville’s first ‘eco’ neighbourhood, covering more than 67 hectares and designed to promote environmental regeneration in the south of the city. Located on the left bank of the Guadaíra River, the development forms part of Seville’s future green belt and includes more than 180,000 square metres of parks and gardens, along with the planting of over 4,247 trees.

Turbepal as a specialist partner

Turbepal S.L., a specialist landscaping and installations company, was subcontracted by construction firm Sacyr to deliver the planting works and install irrigation systems across the green areas of the Isla Natura development.

Promoted by real estate developer Metrovacesa, the project represents a new approach to sustainable urban planning and environmental responsibility, and will be handed over to Seville City Council upon completion.

Over the past three years, Turbepal has been responsible for both the planting and ongoing maintenance of the site’s green spaces, ensuring the successful establishment of vegetation across the development.

A comprehensive approach to planting and landscaping

Turbepal has carried out the planting works at Isla Natura, encompassing street trees, parks and central reservations, alongside an extensive reforestation programme featuring stone pines (Pinus pinea) and Aleppo pines (Pinus halepensis).

In total, aound 1,000 pine trees, each around 2.5 metres tall, have been planted directly into natural ground using planting pits of between 750 and 800 litres. The process included the application of the TerraCottem soil conditioner, to the site’s loam–clay soil, to support long-term tree establishment and resilience.

Irrigation management in the planting process

In the early stages of the project, before a permanent irrigation system had been installed, Turbepal put in place a targeted maintenance irrigation plan to safeguard the success of the planting.

The use of TerraCottem proved instrumental in extending the intervals between watering cycles, helping to optimise water resources and reduce overall consumption - particularly during the summer months.

Even at the height of the season, irrigation of the pine areas, carried out manually using hoses connected to irrigation points, was required only twice a month, underscoring the project’s efficient and responsible use of water.

Javier Díaz, General Manager and Technical Director of Turbepal:

“The advantages of TerraCottem have made it possible to space out irrigation. There is no need to water as frequently, even with an automated irrigation system, and it has been possible to reduce the need for manual watering in the pine area during the first summer and not have to irrigate at all in the following one.”

Tangible and long-lasting results

Thanks to Turbepal’s experience and commitment, the planting programme has achieved a notably high success rate. Plant losses have remained exceptionally low - below 5 per cent, with an average of just 3.5 per cent - an outstanding result for a project of this type.

Any losses within the pine areas were replaced by Turbepal in autumn 2024, ensuring the continuity, stability and healthy long-term growth of the established vegetation.

More information about Turbepal S.L.?

Javier Díaz (General Manager and Technical Director)
San Fernando, 2, 41350 Villanueva del Río y Minas, Sevilla, Spain

T: +34 954 74 71 42
E: paisajismo@turbepal.es
W: www.turbepal.es

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