Read the following excerpt from a Spanish municipal guide (translated into English):
Guide for Volunteer Tree Basin Adopters (Madrid Verde Program)
Dear participant:
We welcome you to our urban greening initiative. By adopting a street tree basin (*alcorque*), you are not only beautifying our neighborhoods but also actively contributing to urban biodiversity. To ensure the health of the trees and the local ecosystem, please adhere strictly to the following rules:
1. Soil Preparation: Gently loosen only the top 5 cm of soil. Do not dig deeper, as you risk damaging the tree’s superficial feeder roots.
2. Plant Selection: Select native, low-water herbaceous perennials. Planting woody shrubs, climbing vines, or invasive species is strictly prohibited because they compete aggressively with the tree for water and soil nutrients.
3. Maintenance: Water your selected plants weekly during the summer months. Do not apply chemical fertilizers or synthetic pesticides; only organic compost is permitted.
4. Reporting: If you observe signs of pests, diseases, or structural damage to the tree itself, do not attempt to treat or prune it. Immediately report the issue to the Municipal Urban Forestry Department via the Citizen Portal.
*Please note*: The tree basin remains public property. While you are granted a temporary permit to cultivate the undergrowth, municipal maintenance workers reserve the right to access the basin for tree care or utility repairs without prior notice.
Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our city green!
Based on the provided guide, which of the following best describes the primary purpose of this document?
- ATo recruit professional urban landscapers to take over municipal tree pruning and utility maintenance duties.
- BTo establish a municipal protocol for citizens to independently report and treat pest infestations on street trees.
- To instruct citizen volunteers on how to cultivate tree basins properly while outlining the regulatory limits of their participation.Answer
- DTo grant local residents legal ownership and agricultural rights over the public sidewalk zones adjacent to their properties.