Key Takeaways:
- The removal of four large sweet gum trees in central Rotorua has been welcomed by neighbouring businesses due to safety concerns.
- The trees were removed after experts recommended it due to potential limb branch failures and the risk of damage to the surrounding area.
- The removal was done to ensure public safety, especially after a similar incident in 2018 where a tree fell and killed a woman.
- Local businesses have expressed relief and support for the decision, citing the trees’ age, size, and maintenance issues.
- The council plans to replace the removed trees with a more suitable species and will reseal the damaged road.
Introduction to the Tree Removal
The removal of four large sweet gum trees in central Rotorua has been a topic of discussion among the local community. While some have expressed concerns about the environmental impact, neighbouring businesses have welcomed the decision due to safety concerns. The trees were removed after experts recommended it due to potential limb branch failures and the risk of damage to the surrounding area. The council’s parks and open spaces manager, Rob Pitkethley, stated that the trees had been showing signs of aging and the size and weight of their limbs would require continual maintenance.
The Reasoning Behind the Removal
The decision to remove the trees was not taken lightly, and the council considered several factors before making the decision. The trees’ busy location and the potential risk to the public were major concerns. Pitkethley explained that pruning and root management were not considered as viable options as they could have destabilized the trees in strong winds. The council ultimately decided that removal and replacement with a more suitable species was the best option. This decision was made with the public’s safety in mind, especially after a similar incident in 2018 where a tree fell and killed a woman, Trish Butterworth, just a few hundred meters away.
Community Reaction
The reaction from the local community has been mixed, with some expressing sadness at the loss of the trees and others welcoming the decision. Local businesses, however, have been overwhelmingly supportive of the removal. The owner of BOP Drycleaners, who did not want to be named, stated that removing unsafe trees was "the sensible thing" to do, especially after the incident in 2018. Neil Comrie, the owner of Rotorua Rug Company, was pleased to see the "dangerous" trees go, citing the near miss they had with a falling branch just a few months prior. Angie Parris, the owner of Strawberry Stitches, also welcomed the removal, stating that the trees were "too big, too old, and dangerous."
The Future of the Area
The council’s next steps will be to remove the remaining stumps and prepare the area for new trees. The cost of the work is not yet available, but it will come from the annual tree maintenance budget. Parris has expressed a desire to see a native tree, such as a kōwhai, as a replacement. The removal of the trees has also brightened up the street, with Parris stating that she can now see the light and the area looks bigger and more open. The council’s decision to remove the trees has been met with relief and support from the local business community, and it is hoped that the new trees will be a safer and more suitable addition to the area.
Conclusion
The removal of the four large sweet gum trees in central Rotorua has been a necessary decision to ensure public safety. While some may mourn the loss of the trees, the potential risks they posed to the community couldn’t be ignored. The council’s decision to remove and replace the trees with a more suitable species is a step in the right direction, and it is hoped that the new trees will be a welcome addition to the area. The support from local businesses is a testament to the council’s commitment to public safety, and it is expected that the area will be improved as a result of the removal.
