Monumental Chestnut Tree of the "Field Meadows"

In Grandola ed Uniti, near the locality Grona, is located One of the most impressive chestnut trees in the entire province of Como. The tree stands in the area called "Field Meadows", easily reached thanks to two dirt roads that start from the village. This exceptionally large chestnut tree was reported by the Provincial Administration itself as part of the census of monumental trees, initiated in 2001 and conducted in collaboration with several Lombard provinces.

But what makes a tree "monumental"? Not only its size: regional criteria also consider the specimen's historical, botanical, landscape and cultural value. And this chestnut tree possesses them all.

Although it was well known to the inhabitants of Grona, the chestnut tree was virtually unknown in the nearby hamlets. Yet its presence has also left its mark on the local toponymy: while official maps refer to the area as "Prati di Campo," those who live locally call it "Ai quattru," or "The Four." A name that recalls the four large chestnut trees that once grew there, close together. Today, unfortunately, only two remain, both in rather critical health.

The chestnut tree of Grona, with a circumference of as much as 850 cm, is second in size only to that of Buncava in Valbrona, which reaches 1,000 cm.

In addition to the Grandola chestnut, there are two other notable individuals surveyed at the municipalities of Cusino (Val Cavargna) and Laino (Val d'Intelvi). The first has a circumference of 580 cm and is about 24 m tall; it is located upstream of the village in the Lugone meadows (950 m).
The second, 760 cm in circumference, grows in the Cuscia locality located above the town of Laino.