Automatic irrigation system for the Oak Tree Plantation in Vranas, Marathon | Environmental action We Love Marathon sponsored by Gardena – Pantelis Papadopoulos S.A.

The We Love Marathon team is carrying out a remarkable environmental initiative for the care of greenery in Vranas, Marathon.The first planting of oak and carob trees took place in spring 2024, followed by the second in spring 2025, with the participation of Total Fitness Club Nea Makri, DEPA, the Social Services of the Municipality of Marathon, the Marathon Endurance Club, sponsors, and volunteers.

The environmental activities are carried out under the supervision of volunteer agronomists Kassandra Kousouli and Kostas Prasinos, and coordinated by Elli Kousouli and Sonia Gerodimou.

Snapshot from the 2nd tree planting in Vranas – Winter 2025 | Photo: Giorgos Mitropoulos

As part of these environmental actions, a total of 100 trees were planted, with a success rate of 70%. Throughout the entire period, the plantation has been systematically monitored, with necessary maintenance interventions carried out: weeding, cleaning, and regular watering provided by the local volunteer firefighting forces PYSETH and SEDM.

Automatic irrigation system for the oak plantation

In mid-summer this year, an automatic irrigation system was installed at the tree plantations carried out by We Love Marathon in the Vranas area of Marathon, aiming to ensure better care and growth of the young trees. The installation was carried out voluntarily by members of the team, under the supervision and guidance of agronomist Kostas Prasinos, with the contribution of volunteer Kimon Kousoulis and Sonia Gerodimou, volunteer and founder of the project.

The irrigation time for the plantation was reduced from 2 hours to 30 minutes and has been reinforced on a weekly basis.

The irrigation equipment was sponsored by Gardena – Pantelis Papadopoulos S.A.

The necessary equipment (sprinkler heads, tubing, connectors, etc.) was provided free of charge thanks to the sponsorship of Gardena – Pantelis Papadopoulos S.A. The system was connected to the well of the Monastery of Saint George, with the approval of the Abbess.

Regular irrigation is a key requirement for the survival and healthy growth of any new tree plantation, especially given the climatic conditions in Attica. Until now, the watering of the Vranas, Marathon plantation was diligently managed by the volunteer firefighting teams PYSETH and SEDM for two consecutive summers. Since mid-summer this year, with the installation of the automatic irrigation system, a steady and uniform water supply is ensured, reducing the risk of tree loss due to drought, while freeing up human resources that can be dedicated to other critical environmental actions. The use of an automatic irrigation system maximizes the efficiency of care, strengthens the sustainability of the project, and provides young trees with the necessary conditions to grow into a strong and resilient grove.

Commemorative photo from the 1st tree planting in Vranas – Spring 2024 | Photo: Sandra Metaxas

The care and continuation of the tree plantation are a core part of the We Love Marathon philosophy, which aims not only to plant new trees but also to ensure their long-term sustainability.

🔜 In October, a new volunteer action is planned, featuring the planting of large oak trees in the area.

We sincerely thank Pantelis Papadopoulos S.A. for their tangible support in implementing a comprehensive tree planting project!