Spraying of trees

Press, 18 July 1980, Page 10

Spraying of trees

Sir, —Could you please ask the Hurunui County Council to comment on spraying along State Highway 7 between Waipara and Dons Fan.. In addition to broom scrub, many other trees near the highway have been indiscriminately blasted with herbicides — crack willows are sprayed up to 30 feet high, kowhai trees, flax clumps, seedling apples bearing fruit, the poplars at the Hanmer Springs turn-off, private plantings. The objective is difficult to conceive as most trees have been sprayed on the roadside only or with a single swath without any attempt at complete eradication, yet others such as one old- kowhai have been . thoroughly covered. Few trees were shading the road badly (in which case proper cutting back such as the Rangiora District Council has done along Line Road would be much tidier). Many scenic portions of a usually pleasant journey are now disgusting eyesores. What is to be done about it? — Yours, etc., . P. F. SCHROEDER, J. R. SCHROEDER. February 21, 1980. ' [This letter was referred to the Hurunui County Council, which replied that: The Ministry of Works and Development was responsible for the maintenance of State Highway No. 7 and that the council’s concern had ■ already been expressed to offi- . ■ cers of the Ministry. The Ministry of Works and Development has now replied with apologies for delay because it had to await the return of a staff member from long-service leave in Australia. Mr J. O. Ballantyne, Resident Engineer, Ministry of Works and Development, ’ Christchurch, replies: “After investigation of complaints re the indiscriminate spraying of herbicide on SH 7, I would comment as follows: “Vegetation control of . noxious weeds and undesirable growth is an important part of highway maintenance, particularly in regard to safety, visibility and drainage, and at all times is undertaken by a registered applicator approved by the Agricultural Chemicals Board and the herbicides used are Government approved for the type of vegetation being controlled. Owing to. a misunderstanding of instructions, work was carried out in excess of the above requirements and it is regretted that a small number of the more appealing species have suffered damage. The herbicide used, though causing damage to foliage on selective trees, has not affected adjacent pastures and young pines along the roadway have not been affected. There are already indications that trees damaged are showing signs of regrowth with the coming of spring. Appropriate action has been taken that , there will be no further spraying of this nature without added supervision and control.”]