Trees In Our Parks And Reserves

The council is going to look again at its approach to trees planted in public parks and reserves.

Recently, Springlands property owners asked that three trees on Murphy’s Creek Reserve land be removed because the trees were shading their property. The council accepted their offer to meet the cost of removal and replacement with more suitable varieties.

However, some councillors believe there should be a clearer process for dealing with trees that become the subject of complaints or requests for removal. Environment Committee chair Peter Jerram, who is also a member of the council-appointed Landcare Working Group promoting landscape initiatives, wants clear rules to be applied, acknowledging the important environmental value of mature trees.

Council’s Assets and Services Committee is to look at the matter at its meeting next month.