District Tree Management and Operational Guidelines. Central Otago District Council. August

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1 Central Otago District Council District Tree Management and Operational Guidelines August 2011 These guidelines specify the future establishment, management policies and operational actions for trees and shrubs on Council administered land such as parks, reserves, urban road verges and other open space. 1

2 Table of Contents PURPOSE... 3 INTRODUCTION... 3 BACKGROUND... 3 ISSUES... 4 KEY LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENTS...5 REVIEW OF GUIDELINES...5 WHAT MATTERS... 5 SOLUTIONS AND FUTURE ACTIONS... 6 Planting on Parks, Reserves and Open space areas... 6 Planting on Urban Road Reserve and Verges... 7 Tree Maintenance... 9 Tree Removal Irrigation and Water Conservation APPENDIX Property Law Act Local Government Act Central Otago District Plan Handout The right tree in the right location (Parks, Reserves and Open Space areas) Handout The right tree in the right location (Road Reserves and Street Verges) Tree removal and maintenance request flowchart Tree planting request flow chart Recommended tree and shrub species list Case study - current tree issues and examples Central Otago District Council Tree Policy- Final 4/8/2011 Page 2 of 31

3 PURPOSE The purpose of this strategy is to address issues related to the establishment and management of trees (as defined below) on Council administered urban land in order that Council can act in the best interests of the community and within its ability to adequately manage and maintain these assets. This means that where possible, problems with existing trees are rectified, ensuring that in the future the right tree is planted in the right location, and that long term care is provided so that trees can thrive. Definition: For the purposes of these guidelines trees and shrubs are any woody plant from 1m high through to large trees. INTRODUCTION Central Otago District Council [CODC] is responsible for the care and maintenance of an estimated 1500 to street trees and specimen trees in parks and reserves throughout the District. Motivation for planting of trees include the benefits of shade, shelter and amenity aspects such as colour, form, line and texture. While difficult to gauge, trees also provide psychological benefits in urban environments such as uplifting spirits and providing a connection to nature. Trees can also enhance street appeal and hence property values. There are also other benefits to trees via Carbon sink, O2 production, aesthetics etc. While trees provide many benefits, they can also cause problems when planted in the wrong location or when the wrong species is chosen. Problems range from excessive shading and root intrusion damage to infrastructure and property damage. The planting of trees represents a significant investment in time and money but some trees fail to thrive in the district through inadequate planning, preparation and ongoing care. The lack of water is a recurring theme in what is a challenging climate to grow trees. BACKGROUND On average CODC receives 1.5 service requests per week concerning tree plantings that the community or individual customers wish to have addressed. The most common issues include: inappropriate species choice or planting location, shading of properties in winter, restriction of views, roots causing trip hazards on footpaths and walkways, root intrusion into private gardens, lawns and drains or leaf material blocking guttering and drainage systems. Analysis undertaken in 2009 showed tree enquiry service requests took on average, 41 days to complete. This lengthy response is attributed to a range of factors, including no set process or guidelines on what actions should be taken and by whom. Coupled with this, is the range of views on what makes a good tree by decision makers (Councillor s, staff and contractors). Cost/budget and other stakeholder considerations also affect response times. 1 Actual numbers not known. Central Otago District Council Tree Policy- Final 4/8/2011 Page 3 of 31

4 Inadequate planning in the past and the lack of proactive management of trees today has contributed to many of the current tree issues and challenges. In addition to this, Council has minimal information on record of the nature and condition of it s tree stock. To ensure sustainable care of trees into the future it is vital some form of an asset management system be developed. Observations suggest up to 20% of trees fail to thrive, are vulnerable in their present locations, or are clearly planted in the wrong location. Council s fiscal ability to maintain its trees, particularly its street trees (to purpose) is questionable without some clear policy and guidelines on future plantings. ISSUES Analysis of the demands received from the public for Council action has identified various issues regarding trees on Council owned or administered land, these include: a) Delays in addressing a problem by Council as indicated (up to 41 days) translating to customer frustration or sometimes dissatisfaction (in the decision arrived at). This can result in an increase in costs and effort later. b) Inappropriate species selection or placement leading to adverse effects on adjacent properties such as unwanted shade, loss of views, excessive leaf fall and root intrusions. (Keeping in mind that what is acceptable to one landowner might not be so to a subsequent one - it is not possible to please everyone). c) Inappropriate species selection, preparation or placement leading to damage to footpaths, road surfaces, drains, sewers and other underground services. Also winter shading/frosting from evergreen trees planted E>W alongside highways. d) The obstruction of footpaths and roadways from overhanging tree limbs through the lack of maintenance or inappropriate species selection or placement. e) CPTED 2 principles such as natural surveillance 3 are compromised through the lack of maintenance or inappropriate species selection or placement. Figure 1: Tree planted too close to boundary and on the north side causing unwanted shade, obstruction of views and possible damage from roots. f) Trees dying or failing to thrive due to poor species choice and /or site selection or lack of effective irrigation. 2 CPTED Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design - a multi-disciplinary approach to deterring criminal behaviour through environmental design such as good planting design that does not obstruct sight lines or provide a potential place for a offender to hide in a public space. 3 Natural surveillance increases the threat of apprehension by taking steps to increase the perception that people can be seen. Natural surveillance occurs by designing the placement of physical features such as trees in such a way as to maximize visibility and foster positive social interaction among legitimate users of private and public space. Central Otago District Council Tree Policy- Final 4/8/2011 Page 4 of 31

5 g) As poor propagation technique can be a major determinant of tree survival, only good quality tree stock only should be used from suppliers who have a proven and known excellent propagation technique. h) Overhead power wires. Council now also has responsibilities for trees under power lines in respect to the Electricity (Hazards from Trees) Regulations The regulations provide for the control of trees next to electricity lines to protect the security of the supply of electricity and the safety of public. Under the regulations line companies are responsible to meet the cost of the first cut, trim or removal of offending trees (for which a first cut notice is issued) then responsibility passes to tree owners for future responsibility. In all wards Council has trees growing under lines for which proactive management is required to manage risk. KEY LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENTS Key legislative considerations when dealing with trees include (see Appendix for key legislation): Property Law Act 2007 Section 333 Under this act Council may apply to the Court for an order to remove or trim trees. Local Government Act 1974 Section 355 This act provides Council the mechanism to require removal of overhanging trees etc. This may include remove, lower, trim any tree or hedge. CODC District Plan Section Notable trees. To identify trees within the District that contribute to the landmark, botanical, cultural and heritage values of the District and trees that contribute to the landscape values of the District and to provide for their protection from unnecessary interference or destruction. Electricity (Hazards from Trees) Regulations 2003 Key points as mentioned above. REVIEW OF GUIDELINES It is proposed to review this policy every 5 years to take into consideration the changing needs of our community and the tree stock in our community. WHAT MATTERS From a community or individual customer s perspective, the following factors are considered most important and comprise What Matters to the community regarding trees: Trees look good trees are: selected as appropriate to the climate/environment trees are well shaped or formed correctly maintained and attractive constitute an interesting variety of species both summer & winter. Good placement and selection tree plantings: minimise excessive shading in winter maximise shading in summer avoid obstruction of views avoid excessive leaf fall and blocking of drains avoid damage to infrastructure and/or the restriction of access. Central Otago District Council Tree Policy- Final 4/8/2011 Page 5 of 31

6 Trees are safe tree species are not prone to splitting or wind fall, planting design and maintenance ensure public safety, CPTED principles are maintained. Council responds in a timely manner clarity of what a good tree looks like so that appropriate maintenance or other actions which achieve purpose can be taken within a satisfactory timeframe Getting value by doing it right first time clarity or vision for Council staff, subdivision developers and contractors concerning appropriate species choice, planting location and irrigation so that current and future tree maintenance costs are minimised. SOLUTIONS AND FUTURE ACTIONS The following policy statements, guidelines and associated actions, have been identified to help ensure that purpose (the effective management of trees and any related issues) and what matters ( things that are important to the community and Council s customers) is achieved, and that Council meets it statutory obligations regarding the management of trees. Planting on Parks, Reserves and Open space areas Policy statement Council recognises that planting the right tree in the right location can enhance parks, reserves and open space areas. Planting the wrong tree in the wrong location can cause the reverse and lead to adverse affects. The following guidelines have been developed to facilitate this. Guidelines 1. Trees with tolerance to Central Otago (or localised) climatic and environmental conditions (refer species appendix list). 2. Approval by Council is required for tree planting on Council land: i. This is to ensure approriate species and site selection decisions are made and that the ongoing care of the tree is allowed for in Councils budgets and plans ii. Approval (or otherwise) for tree planting in new reserves arising from subdivsiions will be undertaken through the resource consent process. Council need to ensure that any specific consent conditions are complied with iii. If approved, tree planting by Council may take place up to 12 months from the time of approval in order to secure funding (where appropriate), to enable batch planting as well as allow for the best time of year to plant. iv. Plantings not approved by Council may be required to be removed at the owners expense. v. Trees generally should be sourced by Council (to ensure good plant selection) and planted by or under supervision of Council staff or contractor (in the case of community plantings). 3. Where appropriate Council work with local communities to encourage community involvement in tree planting. 4. To avoid affects on adjacent properties such as excessive shade or root intrusion tall/large trees should be planted a minimum seven meters from residential boundaries except for north facing boundaries where the minimum separation should be at least twelve metres. Variations of this may occurr were planting of smaller saturated trees/shrubs is proposed (somewhat determinded by the localised situation) Central Otago District Council Tree Policy- Final 4/8/2011 Page 6 of 31

7 5. Where trees are to be planted in groups, they should be spaced appropriately to allow easy and efficient access for mowing and be mindful of views for adjacent property owners etc. Actual separation distance determined by species' choice, i.e. width and height (at maturity) 6. Trees (dependant on species) should be planted a minimum seven meters away from footpaths and accessways to avoid future clearance issues and public safety concerns (CPTED). 7. Trees should be planted away from underground or overhead utlility services. Nominally this would be at least 6 metres but actual distance would depend on species choice i.e. width and height (at maturity). Utilities should be placed to avoid established trees. 8. CPTED principles are incorporated into species choice and location of trees in parks, reserves and open space areas. Action For Council administered parks, reserves, walkways and open space areas: (a) Develop an application/permission form/system for requests for tree planting (reference guideline 2 above). (b) Develop a long term proactive maintenance and replacement programme. (c) Where management plans are developed for specific parks or reserves these guidelines will be considered as part of those planning documents. Planting on Urban Road Reserve and Street Verges Policy statement - The primary purpose of a road reserve/verge is to allow for the free movement of people, and the provision of utilities. Council acknowledges however, that trees do enhance the streetscape if the right species is planted in the right place. The following guidelines have been developed to facilitate this. Guidelines 1. Trees with a tolerance to drought conditions, USDA Hardiness Zone 8 and of appropriate nature, size and shape for a street environment should only be planted. i. In selecting tree species, consideration should be given to the ability of the species to thrive in a street environment while minimizing any adverse effects. Site characteristics will determine the ideal tree size and shape. However, the focus should be on small to medium size trees and trees with vase (V), pyramidal, columnar and oval shapes, which grow up rather than out. ii. Trees with shallow/invasive root systems such as conifers, silver birch and suckering habit such as some Elm species and vigorous seeders- larch, sycamore etc should be avoided unless contained. iii. Trees such as crab apples, rowans or plums (Arbutus) with fruit that can cause a mess should not be planted near footpaths. 2. Trees should be planted on road reserves and verges designated as suitable for trees by Council and within Council s ability to maintain them. Central Otago District Council Tree Policy- Final 4/8/2011 Page 7 of 31

8 i. These generally will be along main thoroughfares, gateways into town or in locations where public activity is concentrated (hubs). Residents should be encouraged to be involved in the proper care and upkeep of tree and shrub plantings in neighbourhood parks and reserves. ii. Road reserves and verges should be of sufficient size to accommodate trees. While this will be determined by species choice and the presence of root guard treatment, planting on road reserves and verges less than 2m should be avoided. iii. CODC Subdivision standards need to support this guideline in its entirety 3. Approval by Council is required for tree planting on Council land. i. If approved, planting may take place up to 12 months from the time of approval in order to secure funding, acquire trees, batch planting work and allow for best time of the year to plant. ii. Tree planting not approved by Council may be required to be removed at the owner s expense or be recorded on the owners property file as the responsibility of the property owner to maintain. 4. Trees should be acquired and planted by Council approved contractors. i. This is to ensure quality and standardisation in tree selection, preparation and installation practices. ii. This provision shall exclude new subdivisions where planting shall be carried out according to consent conditions. 5. Planting should generally take place on the side of the street without footpaths and away from utility service lines with the exception of planned avenue plantings. 6. Planting on the south side verges and next to residences should minimise possible shading such as the selection of smaller deciduous trees. 7. Planting sites are appropriately designed to minimise damage to adjacent surfacing and underground services through the use of approved root containment or specially designed tree pits. 8. Illumination of the road by street lighting will not be adversely affected by the tree. Actual distance from street lighting should be determined by the size and form of the tree at maturity. 9. At intersections vehicle and pedestrian visibility is the paramount principal and tree species choice and placement must be such to ensure sight lines are or will not be obstructed or compromised. As a guide a minimum 15 metre setback should be used. 10. For uniformity trees should be spaced evenly along road reserves/verges (usually one tree per housing block) and planting based on a theme in contrast to random plantings of various species. 11. Trees should be planted no less than 3 metres either side of driveway or vehicular crossings but this may vary dependant on localised situation. 12. Dependant on localised situation, trees and shrubs should be planted no less than 750mm from the roadside kerb to allow people to freely enter and get out of vehicles. Central Otago District Council Tree Policy- Final 4/8/2011 Page 8 of 31

9 Action For Council administered road reserves or verges: (a) Undertake an overview of urban areas to: identify road reserves and verges where tree planting is appropriate and within Council s ability to maintain assist with long-term tree asset management. Tree Maintenance Policy statement - Trees on Council administered areas should be maintained to ensure they achieve purpose, look good and adverse effects are mitigated where possible through appropriate pruning. The following guidelines have been developed to facilitate this. Guidelines 1. Street trees of interest to Council are identified and Council accepts responsibility for their maintenance. i. Other street trees of only localised amenity value should progressively become the responsibility of adjoining landowners to maintain or be removed Tree maintenance should be carried out by Council approved contractors only. 3. Tree maintenance should be carried out in accordance with industry accepted arboriculture standards and practices. 4. Tree maintenance is carried out in a systematic and proactive way overtime, meanwhile: i. Tree maintenance will be prioritised based on need and within budgetary constraints. ii. Specialist arborcare work for large specimen trees is programmed and budgeted for as work is identified. iii. Request for tree maintenance by the community should be made using the appropriate form. If approved, tree maintenance may take place up to 12 months from the time of approval in order to secure funding, to enable maintenance to be undertaken in batches for efficiency or to occur at the best time of the year. 5. Authorisation for reactive tree maintenance by an approved contractor to include: lifting for mower/ vehicle/pedestrian clearance, maintain CPTED principles, the removal of dead branches or trees and removal and planting of trees consistent with this tree strategy. 4 It is recognised that in some circumstances trees have been planted on road verges by property owners and not by Council. Council also acknowledges some planting has occurred on road reserves unsuitable for trees due to the size of the verge (less than a metre is some cases), lack of ongoing water and the lack of root containment at planting time. Many trees in these circumstances are failing to thrive. Central Otago District Council Tree Policy- Final 4/8/2011 Page 9 of 31

10 6. Authorisation for formative pruning by an approved contractor to enhance the trees form and shape to reduce the development of structural weakness in older trees. Action (a) Undertake an overview of Council street or verge trees for the purpose of: Developing a long term proactive trees maintenance programme Identifying trees in lines or near lines that are the responsibility of Council to maintain under Electricity (Hazards from Trees) Regulations 2003 Developing a replacement programme for undesirable trees or trees nearing the end of their life Identifying streets where plantings might occur (b) Develop a permit or application form for requesting maintenance of trees. Tree Removal Policy statement - While Council takes its custodian role of trees seriously, where possible it intends to take a logical approach to tree removal that balances the interests and concerns of individual property owners with those of the wider community. The following guidelines have been developed to facilitate this. Guidelines 1. Tree removal may be approved by Council for: Trees deemed to be hazardous to public safety or property that are dead, dying trees or storm damaged Trees causing or likely to cause damage to buildings, fences, kerb and channel, footpaths and roads where remedial action has failed or is not practical Multiple plantings that require thinning to ensure remaining specimens look good Undesirable trees identified as part of an approved construction project Undesirable trees identified as part of an approved tree removal and replacement programme 2. For any tree removed, consideration should be given to the planting of a replacement if appropriate and approved by Council staff 3. Unless judged to be extreme trees will not generally be removed for nuisance factors alone such as for views, leaf fall, or shading 5. Council will, however, work with the complaint(s) to try and alleviate the matter through selective pruning as long as the tree value is not compromised 4. Requests for tree removal should be completed using the appropriate form. If approved, tree removal may take place up to 12 months from the time of approval in order to secure funding or to enable tree removal to be undertaken in batches for efficiency reasons 5. Where appropriate Council will work with local communities to encourage community involvement in tree planting and replacement 5 Extreme means causing unreasonable hardship to the property owner, for example a tree planted within a few meter of the boundary, where it is causing shading of much of the backyard, obstructing most views or its roots are preventing planting on the property or damage to structures. In this case, the tree may be tagged for future or immediate removal, and a replacement tree planted away from the problem area. It is anticipated that offending trees will be identified in the planned tree audit and included in a programme of tree removal and replacement over time. Central Otago District Council Tree Policy- Final 4/8/2011 Page 10 of 31

11 6. Tree maintenance should be carried out by Council approved contractors 7. Where tree removals occur, stumps must be dealt with at the same time so that the area can be regrassed and further maintenance issues are eliminated 8. Relevent and necessary permissions (resource consent) are required when dealing with Notable Trees as listed in Schedule 19.4, Part B of the CODC District Plan. Action (a) Develop a programme for replanting of appropriate species in the right locations for Council administered sites to allow removal of inappropriate plantings (as identified in the tree overview) over the next 5 10 years. (b) Develop an application/permission form/system for requests for a tree removal on Council administered road reserve or verges. Irrigation and Water Conservation Policy statement - Central Otago is a challenging desert or semi desert environment with extremes of temperature, low rainfall and high evapo-transpiration rates over summer months. To ensure trees grow successfully in such conditions, careful planning and consideration is required. The following overarching guidelines have been developed to help facilitate and achieve this. Guidelines 1. Generally trees with a tolerance to frost or drought conditions should only be planted. Where existing or potential provision of irrigation is provided for, the range of species choice is greater. 2. Generally soils of greatest moisture retention should be favoured for tree planting where possible (deep loams in contrast to sand and gravels). While there maybe exceptions to this dependant on water table levels etc, this may mean favoring some reserves or verges over others as more suitable for tree planting. 3. Trees should only be planted where supplementary water is available particularly during the establishment periods. i. Establishment period is generally the first five years of the trees life until its roots can expand out into the surrounding soil and obtain the water it needs. Most, if not all, trees will fail to establish without supplementary water initially. Council also recognises in drier areas of Central Otago such as the Dunstan Basin, Cromwell and the Maniototo even drought tolerant trees may need supplemental irrigation beyond the end of the establishment period (particularly in dry years), and these should be assessed at planning time. ii. Tree planting for reserves should favour sites with in-ground sprinkler irrigation systems installed as these provide the most reliable long term supply of water. 4. Irrigation water sourced from Council s reticulated potable water supplies should only be installed at Council s discretion and is subject to a subdivision developer proving an alternative water source is not available. Central Otago District Council Tree Policy- Final 4/8/2011 Page 11 of 31

12 5. Irrigation: system specifications, design and operation are standardised systems are fully automated and durability emphasised is placed underground systems are regularly maintained by approved contractors to ensure continuous and efficient use. 6. Use of tree rings of mulch is encouraged for juvenile trees to aid moisture retention and weed control. 7. Trees are afforded every practical measure to ensure survival and protection from vandalisim eg tree protectors where practical. Central Otago District Council Tree Policy- Final 4/8/2011 Page 12 of 31

13 APPENDIX Handout The right tree in the right location (Parks, Reserves and Open Space areas) Property Law Act Local Government Act Central Otago District Plan... Handout The right tree in the right location (Road Reserves and Street Verges) Tree removal and maintenance request flowchart Tree planting request flow chart Recommended tree and shrub species list Case study - current tree issues and examples Central Otago District Council Tree Policy- Final 4/8/2011 Page 13 of 31

14 Property Law Act Court may order removal or trimming of trees or removal or alteration of structure 1. A court may, on an application under section 334, order an owner or occupier of land on which a structure is erected or a tree is growing or standing- (a) (b) to remove, repair, or alter the structure; or to remove or trim the tree. 2. An order may be made under subsection (1) whether or not to risk, obstruction, or interference that the structure or tree is causing- (a) (b) constitutes a legal nuisance; and could be the subject of a proceeding otherwise than under this section. 3. Subsectio9n (4) applies if- (a) (b) (c) the applicant s land may be used for residential purposes under rules in the relevant proposed or operative district plan; and the application is made in relation to the use or enjoyment of the land for those purposes; but not building intended for residential purposes has been erected on the land. 4. The court may not made an order under subsection (1) unless satisfied that the building will be erected on the land within a reasonable time and, if the court makes the order,- (a) (b) the order does not take effect unless and until the building is erected; and if the building is not erected within a reasonable time, the order may be vacated on the application of any interested person. Compare: 1952 No 51 s 129C Central Otago District Council Tree Policy- Final 4/8/2011 Page 14 of 31

15 Local Government Act Council may require removal of overhanging tree, etc 1. The council may, by notice in writing under the hand of the Chairman or the principal administrative officer, require the owner of any land abutting upon any road within the district to do any of the following acts: (a) (b) (c) to remove, lower, or trim to the satisfaction of the council any tree or hedge overhanging or overshadowing the road in cases where, in the opinion of the council, the removal, lowering, or trimming is necessary in order to prevent injury to the road or obstruction to the traffic thereon or to any channel, ditch, or drain appertaining thereto: to cut down or grub up, as the council directs, and remove all obstructions to traffic or drainage arising from the growth of plants or the spreading of roots upon or under the road up to the middle line thereof along the whole frontage of the land occupied or owned by him: to remove, lower, or trim to the satisfaction of the council any tree or hedge, or to lower any fence or wall, if in the opinion of the council the tree, hedge, fence, or wall is likely, by reason of its obstructing the view, to cause danger to the traffic on that or any other road. 2. Within 10 days after service of the notice, the owner may apply to a District court for an order setting aside the notice. 3. On the hearing of the application, the Court, whose decision shall be final, shall determine whether the notice should or should not be set aside, and in the former case the notice shall be deemed to be void. 4. In the case of a notice which is not set aside as aforesaid, if the owner fails to do any such act incompliance therewith within 1 month from the service thereof, or where application as aforesaid has been heard, then within 1 month after the giving of the decision of the Court, he commits an offence and is liable to a fine not exceeding $5 for every day during which the failure has continued, and the council, by its officers or agents, may enter on the land and do that act and recover the cost from him. 5. The said cost shall be a charge upon the land. 6. In any case where the council might give any such notice as aforesaid in respect of any land, any resident of the district may, by notice in writing, request the council to do so. 7. If for the space of 28 days after the receipt of the last-mentioned notice the council fails to comply therewith, the resident making the request may apply to a District Court for an order requiring the council to comply with that notice. 8. On the hearing of the application, the Court shall determine whether and to what extent the notice shall be complied with by the council, and the decision of the Court shall be final. 9. The council may remove. Lower, cut down, grub up, or trim, as the case may be, any fence, wall, tree, hedge, or plant to which subsection (1) applied, after giving oral notice to the occupier, or, where there is no occupier, to the owner of the land, if life, property, or any road is in imminent danger. The cost of the work shall be a charge against the land as if notice had been given under subsection (1) and had not been set aside by a District Court. 10. For the purposes of this section in the term cut down means cutting down and keeping cut down or removing or controlling by chemical means the stem and roots of any plants so as to prevent their throwing out any leaf, offshoot, or flower. Central Otago District Council Tree Policy- Final 4/8/2011 Page 15 of 31

16 Part 21 (comprising sections 315 to 361) was inserted, as from 1 April 1979, by section 2 Local Government Amendment Act 1978 (1978 No 43). The words District Court referred to in subsections (2), (7), and (9) were substituted, as from 1 April 198, for the works Magistrate s Court pursuant to section 18(2) District courts Amendment Act 1978 (1979 No 125). Central Otago District Council Tree Policy- Final 4/8/2011 Page 16 of 31

17 Central Otago District Plan Notable Trees (i) (ii) The removal of any tree identified in the register in Part B of Schedule 19.4 except where that tree has died of natural causes is discretionary activity. The following works that involve a tree or a group of trees listed in the register in Part B of Schedule 19.4 shall be a discretionary (restricted) activity: (a) Significant trimming of the tree Note: this does not include the regular or seasonal trimming or maintenance of any tree undertaken by land operated secateurs or pruning shears in accordance with accepted arboricultural practices. (b) (c) (d) (e) The construction of any building or laying of overhead or underground services within the drip lone of any identified tree whether on the site or not. Impervious paving within the drip lone of any identified tree. The addition or excavation of soil within the drip line of any identified tree in a way that alters soils levels or the water table. Discharge or dispersal of any hazardous substance within the drip line of any identified tree. Council shall restrict the exercise of its discretion to: 1. The impact on the health of the tree. 2. The effect on the form and appearance of the tree. 3. Issues of public safety. 4. Values of the tree as described in Clause Reason Discretionary activity status for removal of such trees will allow full consideration of the effect the removal will have on amenity values of the neighbourhood. Works that do not remove the tree but which will impact on a listed tree have been identified as discretionary (restricted) activities. This enables consideration of resource consent applications to focus on the health of the tree, the appearance of the tree and public safety. Where such works are minor or essential for public safety notification would not be needed Policy Waiver of Resource Consent Fees To recognise the public benefit in maintaining and enhancing heritage buildings, places, sites, objects and trees by waiving application fees associated with resource consents for work on registered heritage items that requires a resource consent only because that activity involved an item registered in Schedule Explanation Many of the items registered in Schedule 19.4 of the Plan are privately owned. While owners have been consulted on the inclusion of their buildings, places, sites, objects or trees in the plan, it is considered appropriate that Council waiver application fees in respect of work in these items in Central Otago District Council Tree Policy- Final 4/8/2011 Page 17 of 31

18 recognition of the benefit the general public receive from maintaining and enhancing their heritage values Policy Protection of Notable Trees To identify trees within the District that contribute to the landmark, botanical, cultural and heritage values of the District and trees that contribute to the landscape values of the District and to provide for their protection from unnecessary interference or destruction. Explanation The trees identified in the District Plan have characteristics and values that make a significant contribution to the amenity values of their particular neighbourhood, and the District as a whole. They have been selected following an independent survey to identify the most significant trees in the District. Resource consent will be required before any significant works can be carries out on such trees. Central Otago District Council Tree Policy- Final 4/8/2011 Page 18 of 31

19 PART B: NOTABLE TREES No Map Item & Location Legal Description 1 4 Kashmir Cypress (Cupressus cashmeriana) Alexandra Primary School, Dunorling Street, Alexandra Sections 5-22 Block IV Sections Block III Town of Alexandra 1A 4 Red Oak, (Quercus rubra), Red Ash (Fraxinus Lots 2 & 3 DP 8332 pensylvanica), Silver Birch (Betula pendula), Walnut (Juglans regia), Mulberry (Morus nigra) 2 specimens, Fig (Ficus carica) 2 specimens Chapple Street, Alexandra 2 4A 4B Ponderosa Pines and Deodar Cedar (Pinus ponderosa and Cedrus deodara) Pioneer Park, Alexandra Sections 1-23 Block XI Sections 1-22 Block XII Legal Road & War Memorial, Town of Alexandra 3 4A Common Oak (Quercus robur) Lot 2 DP Centennial Avenue, Alexandra 4 4A Horse Chestnuts (Aesculus hippocastanum), Sections 7-11 Block III Town of Alexandra Sycamores (Acer pseudoplatanus St Enoch s Church, Centennial Avenue, Alexandra 5 9A Wellingtonia (Sequoiadendron giganteum) Sections 20/23 and Lot 4 DP 1803 Block XI Sunderland Street, Clyde 6 11 Umbrella or Stone Pine (Pinus pinea), Maritime Pine (Pinus pinaster), Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris) Clyde Cemetery, Springvale Road, Clyde 7 12 Cottonwood Poplars (Populus deltoides) State Highway 6, Cromwell 8 14 Scarlet Oak (Quercus coccinea) Horace Street, Cromwell 9 16 Tulip Tree (Liriodendron tulipifera) Molyneux Avenue, Cromwell Wellingtonias (Sequoiadendron giganteum) Inniscort Street, Cromwell Elizabeth Tree - Wellingtonia (Sequoiadendron Giganteum Naseby Kyeburn Diggings Road, Naseby European/ Common Beech (Fagus sylvatica), Lime/Linden (Tilea europaea Derwent Street, Naseby 13 22A Wellingtonia (Sequoiadendron giganteum), Sitka Spruce (Picea sitchensis), Deodar Cedar (Cedrus deodara), Lawson s Cypress (Chamaecyparis lawsoniana), Weeping Cypress (Cupressus funebris), Ponderosa Pine (Pinus ponderosa), Caucasian Fir (Abies nordmanniana), Western White Pine (Pinus monticola) Naseby Recreation Ground, Naseby 14 22A Monkey Puzzle (Araucria araucana) Derwent Street, Naseby Oak (Quercus robur) Roxburgh Area School, Scotland Street, Roxburgh 16 36A Red Beech (Nothofagus fusca) State Highway 8, Roxburgh Black Walnut (Juglans nigra) Conroys Road, Earnscleugh Common Walnut (Juglans regia) Conroys Road, Earnscleugh Wellingtonia (Sequoiadendron giganteum) Mt Pisa Station, Cromwell Wellingtonia (Sequoiadendron giganteum), Sitka Spruce (Picea sitchensis), Rowan/Swedish Whitebeam (Sorbus intermedia) Mitchell s Cottage, Symes Road, Fruitlands Totara (Podocarpus totara), Kowhai (Sophora microphylla), Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) State Highway 8, Dumbarton Town of Clyde Cemetery Reserve in Town of Clyde Lots 1 & 3 DP Part Section 1 Block XXXVIII Town of Cromwell Sections Block LXVIII Town of Cromwell Sections 4-6 Block V Town of Cromwell Section 7 Block IV Town of Naseby Lot 2 DP Section 85 Block II Town of Naseby Lots 2 & 3 DP 9380 and Part Sections 43 & 44 Block II Town of Naseby Sections 1-11 and Closed Road Block II Sections 1-2 & 4-5 and Part Sections 3-24 Lots 3-5 DP 7069 Block XVII Lot 4 and Part Lots 1-3 DP Town of Roxburgh Section 2, Block XIV Benger SD Lot 1 DP 6141 Sections 55 and 172 Block I Fraser SD Run 731 Section 101 Block I Carinhill SD Lot 1 DP Central Otago District Council Tree Policy- Final 4/8/2011 Page 19 of 31

20 22 63 Purple Beech (Fagus purpurea), Dawn Redwood DP 4388 (Metasequoia glyptostroboides) State Highway 8, Dumbarton Ponderosa Pine (Pinus ponderosa), Lawsons Lot 1 DP Cypress (Chamaecyparis lawsonia), Yellow Cypress (Chamaecyparis nootkatensis) Norway Spruce (Picea abies), Lizard Tree (Thujopsis delobrata) Derwent Street, Naseby 24 5 Jolendale Park, Aronui Road, Alexandra Lots 1 & 3 DP 7610 and Lots 1 & 2 DP Wellingtonia (Sequoiadendron giganteum) State Highway 8, Clyde Lot 1 DP Central Otago District Council Tree Policy- Final 4/8/2011 Page 20 of 31

21 Handout The right tree in the right location (streets) Central Otago District Council Tree Policy- Final 4/8/2011 Page 21 of 31

22 Central Otago District Council Tree Policy- Final 4/8/2011 Page 22 of 31

23 Tree Removal And Maintenance Request Flowchart REQUEST RECEIVED (on the appropriate form or otherwise form sent out for completion) Inspection arranged with applicant to evaluate tree(s). Target within 21 days. Inspection and assessment. Decision made subject to assessment results, tree management guidelines and any other relevant Council plans, programmes and budgets. Applicants advised detailing decision and identifying programme of works (if appropriate). Work programmed (if appropriate) If approved, tree removal and maintenance may take place up to 12 months from the time of approval in order to secure funding or to enable tree removal or maintenance to be undertaken in batches for efficiency reasons or at the best time of the year. Central Otago District Council Tree Policy- Final 4/8/2011 Page 23 of 31

24 Tree Planting Request Flowchart REQUEST RECEIVED (on the appropriate form or otherwise form sent out for completion) Request matched to any previous decisions that is/are relevant, Council strategies, plants or programmes 7. Not relevant Relevant Target within 21 days. Inspection arranged with applicant (if required) to evaluate the proposed tree location and species. Inspection and assessment. Decision made subject to assessment results, tree management guidelines and any relevant Council plans, programmes and budgets. Applicants advised detailing decision and identifying programme of works (if appropriate). Work programmed (if appropriate) 8. 7 For street trees Council intends to identify road reserves and verges where the planting of trees is appropriate and desired. 8. If approved, tree planting may take place up to 12 months from the time of approval in order to secure funding or to enable planting to be undertaken in batches for efficiency reasons or to occur at the best time of the year. Central Otago District Council Tree Policy- Final 4/8/2011 Page 24 of 31

25 Recommended Tree and Shrub Species List The following list identifies trees recorded as showing tolerance to drought and frost, able to grow in Central Otago. Tree vigour, size and shape vary, and species will need to be matched to site characteristics. Small trees/shrubs (7m and under tall) Abutilon spp & hybrids (Abutilon) + Acacia rubida red stemmed wattle (frost hardy wattle) Acer palmatum, maximowiczii, monspessulanum (Maples) + Acuba japonica (Acuba) shade, drought & cold hardy Amelanchier spp (Serviceberry) Arbutus unedo (Irish Strawberry- tree) + * - low branches so keep away from access way to maintain natural surveillance. Nice tree but messy fruit Azalea spp & hybrids (azalea) need shelter & acid soils + Camelia japonica, spp & varieties + Carmichaelia spp (NZ Broom) Ceanothus thyrsiflorus drought & cold hardy but not long-lived, great for bees Cercis canadensis (Redbud) + * Judas Tree also, C. siliquastrum Chimonanthus praecox (winter sweet). v cold hardy Chordospatium stevensonii (Coral broom) Coprosma spp & hybrids (Coprosma) Cornus spp (Flowering Dogwoods) + sheltered sites preferred. + Choisya ternata (Mexican Orange) + Dacrydium bidwillii (Bog pine) Daphne retusa & other spp (Daphne) + Deutzia spp (Deutzia) Dracophyllum spp (Turpentine bush) Forsythia hybrids (Forsythia) Fuchsia spp & hybrids (Fuchsia) Garrya elliptica (silk tassle) shade & cold hardy Griselinia littoralis (broadleaf) sheltered sites only Hamamelis japonica (Witch hazel) v. cold hardy, prefer acid, moist soil + Central Otago District Council Tree Policy- Final 4/8/2011 Page 25 of 31

26 Hebe spp & hybrids (Hebe) Helichrysum spp (Helichrysum) Kalmia latifolia (Mountain laurel), v hardy, acid soils Leptospermum ericoides (Kanuka) frost drained sites only Lonicera japonica (Honeysuckle) Magnolia spp (Magnolia) + Mahonia japonica (Mahonia) v cold hardy, suckers Malus spp (Ornamental Crab Apples) +* - avoid planting near hard surfaces due to small fruit. + Olearia spp & hybrids (Olearia) Ozothamnus (Cassinia) vauvilliersii (Mountain cottonwood) Photinia x frasier (Photinia) low branches so keep away from carriageways to maintain natural surveillance. + Photinia glabra (Red Leaf Photinia) - low branches so keep away from access way to maintain natural surveillance. + Phyllocladus alpinus (Mountain celery) Pieris japonica & varieties + Prunus subhirtella, P. mume. (Flowering Cherry) winter flowering + Pseudopanax ferox (Lancewood) Pseudowintera colorata (Pepper tree) + Rhododendron spp & hybrids (Rhododendron) need shelter, acid soils + Rhus aromatica (Sumac), R. typhina Ribes sanguineum (Currant) Syringa vulgari & spp (Lilac) + Teucrium fruticans (Teucrium) Viburnum spp (Viburnum) + Wisteria floribunda (Wisteria) + Medium size trees (8m to 15m tall) Acacia baileyana (Cootamundra Wattle), A. dealbata (Golden wattle) frost-drained sites only, v. drought hardy Albizia julibrissin (Silk tree) note large seed pods so not suitable near hard surfaces, suits sheltered site as prone to wind damage. Not long-lived and very susceptible to Nectria cinnabarina cinnamon spot. + Acer negundo (Box Elder) * Other maples etc Central Otago District Council Tree Policy- Final 4/8/2011 Page 26 of 31

27 Alnus cordata, A glutinosa, A. rubra (Alders) + Arthrotaxis laxifolia (Tasmanian cedar) Betula pendula (Silver Birch) + invasive roots on dry sites so not suited as street tree or near boundaries. Betula papyrifera (Paper Birch) like silver birch. Several other birch spp are suitable, B. jacquemontii, platyphylla, kenaica Carpinus betulus (Hornbeam) * Castanea sativa (Sweet chestnut) + Cordyline australis (Cabbage tree) Cornus spp (Flowering Dogwoods) C alternifolia, C. controversa + Cotinus obovatus (Smoke tree) + Elaeagnus angustifolia (Russian olive) Ginko biloba (Ginkgo) + Gleditsia triacanthos (Honey Locust) - note has thorns Timber quite brittle and can split Gleditsia triacanthos f. inermis (Thornless Honey Locust)* Needs shelter Hoheria populnea (Lacebark) Juniperus spp (juniper)- conifers, note naturally have low skirts so plant away from paths. Juniperus virginiana (Eastern red cedar), erect form Malus spp & varieties (crab apple) + Mespilus germanica (Medlar) + Morus nigra (Mulberry) + Pittosporum tenuifolium (Kohuhu) & other spp Sophora microphylla (South Island Kowhai) - native attracts bellbirds. + Plagianthus betulinus (Ribbonwood) Prunus spp (Cherry plum, almond, peach, Japanese hybrids) + Pyrus calleryana (Ornamental Pear) * + Sorbus hupehensis (Mountain Ash)* potential for berry spread by birds Sorbus aucuparia (Rowan) + other spp. + Zelkovia serrata (Japanese zelkovia) + Large trees (over 16m tall in the right conditions) Abies spp (Silver Fir) + Central Otago District Council Tree Policy- Final 4/8/2011 Page 27 of 31

28 Acer spp (Maples), A griseum paper bark, A. pseudoplatanus sycamore, A. rubrum scarlet, A. saccharum sugar maple + Aesculus spp (Horse chestnut) + Araucaria araucana (Monkey Puzzle tree) Cedrus deodara (Deodar Cedar) - evergreen conifer. Cedrus atlantica (Atlas Cedar) evergreen conifer. Chamaecyparis lawsoniana (Lawson cypress) Cupressocyparis leylandii (Leyland cypress) Cupressus arizonica (Arizona cypress) Eucalyptus spp (Gum) E. gunnii Cider gum, E. niphophila Snow gum, E. pauciflora - Fagus sylvatica (European beech) Fraxinus angustifolia Raywood (Claret Ash) * Fraxinus excelsior (Common or European Ash)*, var pendula (weeping ash) Fraxinus ornus (Mana Ash) Liquidambar styraciflua (Sweet Gum, Red Gum) * + - somewhat aggressive roots fruit pods messy too. Liriodendron tulipifera (Tulip tree) Juglans nigra (Black Walnut) + J. regia (English walnut) + Metasequioa glyptostroboides (Dawn redwood) + Nothofagus solandri (Mountain beech) + Picea abies (Spruce) & other spp + Pinus spp (Pine) P. coulteri big cone pine, P. nigra maritima Corsican pine, P. ponderosa. Platanus orientalis (Oriental Plane) Podocarpus hallii, P. totara (Totara) Populus spp (Poplar species) P. nigra Italica Lombardy, P. euramericana hybrids. Note some get very large and can have evasive roots. Wetter areas Quercus cerris (Turkey oak), Q. coccinea scarlet oak, Q. ilex Holm oak, Q. palustris Pin oak, Q. robur English oak, Q. rubra red oak Quercus coccinia (Scarlet Oak) * + Quercus canatiensis (Algerian Oak) Quercus cerris (Turkey Oak) Quercus petraea (Durmast Oak) * Quercus rubra (Red Oak) Central Otago District Council Tree Policy- Final 4/8/2011 Page 28 of 31

29 Quercus robur (English Oak) Robinia pseudoacacia (Black Locust) note some cultivars have spines. Salix spp (Willow) S. caprea pussy willow, S. babylonica weeping, S. x chrysocoma golden weeping, S. matsudana x alba hybrids. All need supplementary irrigation Sequoia sempervirens (Coast redwood) + Sequoiadendron giganteum (Wellingtonia) + Thuja plicata (Western red cedar) + Tilea x europeaea (European lime) + Tsuga heterophylla (Western hemlock) + Ulmus spp (Elms) Key: + moderately drought tolerant only * suitable as street tree in the right location ZZZ = Native species Central Otago District Council Tree Policy- Final 4/8/2011 Page 29 of 31

30 Case study Current Tree Issues and Examples Planting Locations Correct species choice and planting location is vital to avoid customer complaints and resultant cost. Example Trees planted in the wrong place Trees too close to northern aspect of private property boundary Issues include: Shading, leaves and serve root intrusion Higher mowing/maintenance costs because of difficulty roots and tree location limits space between tree and fence Concrete mowing strip and fence being damaged from roots. Action: In response to customer complaint Requires prune thining to minimise impact on neighbour Bottom two branches on north side need removal to balance form Long term prognosis tree will need to be removed <10 years Replacement tree should be planted well out (12m + ) from the boundary. CPTED Concerns public safety Example Trees planted too close to footpath, each other and park lighting. Issues include Trees blocking street/path lighting (dark section of footpath). Potential for offender to hide behind trunks as trees grow. Use and appeal of the recreation open space is reduced. Action: In response to customer complaint Planting requires thinning out (remove small tree) and thin remaining trees to let in more light. Long term prognosis large oak tree (to right) will need to be removed next 10 years. Replacement tree should be planted well out (7m + ) from the footpath. Verge Conflicts Example Poor preparation (lack of root containment measures). Central Otago District Council Tree Policy- Final 4/8/2011 Page 30 of 31

31 Issues include Pedestrian trip hazards Root damage to footpaths, verge and kerbing and road carriageway Action: In response to customer complaint Repair foot path and install root guard. Central Otago District Council Tree Policy- Final 4/8/2011 Page 31 of 31