• Measures to conserve the centuries-old tree are to be specified.

The team for the preservation and conservation of the oldest coniferous tree in Bulgaria - the Baikusheva Mura, removed the broken branch today. The compromised branch was removed without further damage to the trunk of the tree. It has been placed in a stable position on the ground near the tree. This has ensured the safety of passing tourists and access to the tree has been restored.

We would like to remind that in February, employees of the Directorate of Pirin National Park found that one of the branches of the Baikusheva Mura was partially broken. An action plan was adopted to secure and protect the centuries-old tree. Experts from the Institute of Forestry at the Bulgarian Academy of Science (BAS), the University of Forestry, the Forest Protection Station – Sofia, and arborists with proven experience in securing centuries-old trees were involved in the process.

The specialists also examined the strength of the remaining branches and the overall condition of the tree. Specialized equipment of the latest generation was used - resistograph and tomograph. The results of the study will give an idea of the rotting processes at play and what their relative proportion is.

Three wood pulleys were also cut from the removed branch to be examined by experts from the Institute of Forestry at BAS, the University of Forestry and the Forest Protection Station. It is expected that the examinations will accurately identify the fungal pathogen causing the rot of the Baykusheva Mura, as well as guide the measures to preserve the tree.