Hedging to be reinstated

Thames-Coromandel District Council is working with Street Smart to totally reinstate an area of planting along SH25 in Whitianga after a highly unusual and unfortunate error by the contracting company caused damage to plants.

 

Street Smart has been maintaining an area of the airpark subdivision on the outskirts of Whitianga and accidentally used a spray mix that is intended only for use on hard surfaces.

 

The mix of Roundup and Escort has affected up to 164 plants, some of which will need to be replaced as a result.

 

TCDC Parks Manager Derek Thompson says the council is ensuring that the hedging plants that have died as a result of the spraying will be replaced with plants grown to the same size, at no cost to ratepayers, and the company has apologised.

 

“It is highly unusual and very unfortunate. Street Smart has expressed its regret to the Mercury Bay Community Board and admitted that it was entirely their mistake. They have a plan to put it right and we’re working with them on this to ensure the hedge is reinstated to the same condition it was in prior to their mistake.”

 

Plants that are likely to survive the damage will be pruned back, mulched, watered and fed. Replacement planting will be made after the summer period to ensure the plants have the best possible chance of success.