Felling and planting trees

Press, 22 May 1978, Page 16

Felling and planting trees

Hardly anyone likes to see the felling of trees which make many parts of Christchurch so pleasant. When trees must be removed their replacement should be expected, even at considerable public expense. The loss of mature and over-mature trees on public land will be easier to bear so long as a vigorous replacement programme is followed.

Not all the local bodies in Christchurch have a perfect record in this respect. The people of Sydenham, for example, might have been more reconciled to the recent loss of the trees on the north side of Sydenham Park had another row been planted within the new boundary of the park as soon as it was obvious the trees would have to go. Any minor problems in the use of the park for sports should not have been allowed to prevent this.

For the most part, the people of Christchurch must be content to allow future generations to reap the benefit

of today’s plantings, just as they are reaping the benefit of the plantings of past generations. Although many of today’s citizens will not see the maturity of the trees being planted now, the responsibility is still theirs to ensure not only that trees are planted but that the right species are planted in the proper places. Particularly, people who love trees may need to be vigilant to thwart a tendency to plant smaller, ornamental species. Such species may offer a tidy and swift alternative to treeplanting and they avoid such problems as are created when tree roots lift pavements, leaves block gutters, and branches need pruning. But Rolleston Avenue will never be the same as it was when lined with great elms: Memorial Avenue will remain pretty rather than grand. To ensure that the larger trees continue to abound, Christchurch should be willing to pay the price and suffer the minor inconveniences.