Notable trees and vegetation October 2020
Work is underway clearing and enabling sites to make way for the commencement of the rail corridor widening, retaining walls and trenching for the grade separation of the rail tracks.
We are committed to contributing to a green, liveable and sustainable city centre. As part of the CRL work, construction sites must be cleared and the removal of some trees is necessary. Any trees removed will be replaced at a minimum one for one when we complete streetscapes and public realm enhancements at the end of construction. We will leave more trees than we started with.
Which trees are affected? The Willow Myrtle trees along the Boston Road reserve are mature specimens. A number of the trees possess significant structural defects including branch splitting and decay. These trees are also growing in a constrained location making it impractical and unsafe to attempt to extract the root ball, so a successful transplant is highly unlikely due to their size, age and structural defects. The group of trees closest to Normanby Road are a mixture of small to medium sized trees which are tightly grouped and in generally poor form. These are considered unsuitable for transplanting.
How is the decision to remove trees made? Assessment of trees is ongoing as construction methodology and design details are developed. Before we can confirm the need to remove a tree we must show that we have investigated the feasibility of: • fencing them off for the construction period • pruning them to gain space required for construction • storing them to replant in place at the end of construction, or transplanting them Where none of these are viable, we will confirm the need to remove the tree.
How will they be removed? The trees will be removed in stages starting with outer limbs then inner limbs, then the trunk. Remaining stumps will be dug out or ground down. Any debris will be mulched onsite.
What does ‘notable’ mean? The Environment Court can grant ‘notable’ status to provide a tree or group of trees special protection based on their species, unique characteristics or heritage. The Flame tree on the Boston Road / Nugent Street Flower of the roundabout, the English Oak on Boston Road Flame Tree and the Ash Trees at the entrance of Mt Eden Correction Facility are all protected under the notable tree status. Arboricultural monitoring will be undertaken to ensure adequate protection for these trees for the duration of construction works.