Trees December 2019
Early works are underway to clear sites for the new Aotea and Karangahape Stations and the redevelopment of Mt Eden Station. This includes removal of structures and trees within the station footprints.
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. The CRL project will leave more trees than we started with.
Which trees are affected? Aotea Station works require trees to be removed from Bledisloe House car park, and the adjacent section of Mayoral Drive. Other trees on Albert Street between Wyndham Street and Victoria Street West are in the construction zone, as are a few on Victoria Street West near the intersection with Albert Street. Karangahape Station works require the removal of trees from Mercury Lane and Beresford Square. Mt Eden Station and associated utility relocation worksites include trees on Fenton Street, Normanby Road and Boston Road. Further assessment will determine whether any of these trees can be transplanted. The trees to be removed vary in species, age and size. Most are exotics and not notable. A small amount are native trees.
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 Council or Environment Court can grant ‘notable’ status to give a tree or group of trees special protection based on their species, unique characteristics or heritage. The Tulip trees along Mayoral Drive from Wellesley Street to the Auckland Art Gallery, are collectively notable as a ‘tree boulevard’. We need to remove fewer than 7% of the trees in this boulevard and will replace them on project completion with semi-mature specimens to accelerate growth and canopy cover.
Flower of the Liriodendron Tulipifera