Ash tree planting begins

PLANTING of the replacement ash trees down the median strip on Kimbolton Road, Feilding, started this week.
Ninety-five trees comprise the first planting and will bring colour back to the town’s busiest thoroughfare, from North Street to South Street, after the former 40 year-old claret ash trees started to deteriorate.

A further 70 trees are scheduled to be planted at a later date.

The American variety of ash (fraxinus pennsylvanica cimmzam cimmaron) - imported from Victoria, Australia in 2007 - is believed to be the only one of its type in New Zealand.
Parks and Reserves Manager, Albert James, said the new trees, which grow to a height of 13 metres, should shoot away quickly and make a significant difference to the landscape.
“They are being planted in good, composty soil with fertilizer tablets and matting designed to keep the weeds down around the trunk of the tree. And they have a good root system – which is the key.”

The ash’s dark green leaves turn deep burgundy and fiery brick red in the autumn.