Green facelift for Tikipunga streets

Streets in Tikipunga are in the process of receiving a leafy green facelift by way of new trees, including Titoki, Crepe Myrtle and Magnolia Little Gem.

​The new trees are being planted as part of a two-part programme to improve street tree planting in Heretaunga Street, Meadow Park Ave, Boundary Road and Beazley Cres.  In the first phase the new trees will be planted, and in the second phase, once the new trees are established, older, larger liquidambar trees will be removed.

“We selected these new species as replacements because they don’t pose the problems we have been having with the liquidambars,” said WDC parks Technical Officer Stuart Jackson.

The liquidambar trees were planted about 30 years ago. Since then they have grown very large and they are now causing problems that weren’t foreseen.

“Their roots are lifting footpaths, roads and pipes, causing safety issues and requiring costly repairs.  Annual leaf fall has been clogging stormwater drains and residents’ spouting, and a number of the trees have been casting heavy shade into some properties.  These new trees are evergreens, they will not get too large, they can be easily pruned, they look good and won’t damage infrastructure.

“At first it might look like there are too many trees in some of these streets while the younger trees are getting established, but once they are looking the part we will be taking down the large trees that are causing problems,”  Mr Jackson said.

“We sent out letters to property owners who have street trees close by, explaining we will be planting more suitable trees in between the old liquidambars and, once the new trees are established, that we will be felling the old trees.

“Generally speaking we have received quite a lot of support, and we are hoping that communities in these streets will help care for the trees while they get established. We want to make sure these streets retain that well-established, soft and welcoming look that good planting provides,” said Mr Jackson.

“This programme will ensure that we achieve that while at the same time protecting expensive infrastructure that is already in place.”
Because the trees are on Council Land they are considered Heritage Trees, so a Resource Consent is required before their removal.