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An internationally recognised florist and botanist, J. Barry Ferguson, of Warkworth, says the planned removal of the oak trees in Neville Street cannot be justified.
The developer of the retirement complex Oaks on Neville is planning to gradually replace the mature trees over the next 25 years after three arborists’ reports claimed they were in decline.
However, Mr Ferguson believes another opinion is urgently needed. He says the trees appear to be in good health and could last another 100 years with a little care and attention.
“The largest tree, in particular, is full of energy and a picture of health,” Barry says.
“Because of the importance of these trees, it’s crucial we get another arborist to check their condition. I would not like to see them condemned prematurely.”
Mahurangi Matters Facebook followers were also not happy at the news that the mature trees would go, with some suspecting that the earthworks on the site could be responsible for the oaks’ decline.
One person commented, “Developers always unwittingly name their concrete jungles after whatever they destroy to build them. So, the fate of these trees was sealed the day they named it The Oaks.”
In response to the criticism, Oaks on Neville project manager Dave Stott says they wouldn’t take much notice if another independent report was done.
“We’ve already had three independent arborists do reports on the oaks and each one has confirmed they are in decline, so we are satisfied that this is accurate,” Dave says.
“We wouldn’t oppose anyone getting another opinion, but we would need to see some very strong evidence this was not the case to change our plans.”
Dave says they wish to retain the visual screening and therefore the replacement trees will be a reasonable size to ensure this.
New Zealand Tree Council secretary Dr Mels Barton says it’s important to retain all mature trees where possible, because of the time it takes for them to reach a fully-grown state.
“The government is planting a lot of saplings, but there’s no guarantee they will reach their full size so we need to keep as many mature trees as possible,” Dr Barton says.
Response from Chris Murphy, on behalf of the Oaks on Neville:
“The Oaks Village is concerned about the article and comments recently published in the Mahurangi Matters and circulating on Face Book. These comments are largely incorrect and warrant rebuttal. The fact is that the Oaks owner is determined to do what it can to preserve the oak grove and to say otherwise is simply wrong.
“Before the property was purchased by the Oaks nothing was done to prolong the life of these trees and they stood diseased and neglected. In recent years three arborists reports have confirmed the trees are diseased and in decline. Though diseased, the most significant contributor to the decline of the trees is age. The arborists say the trees are reaching the limits of the life span for this species of Oak in this region.
“It is the case that some trees were removed to accommodate the development but this was done with Council consent and this work was undertaken some time ago so is not related to the current discussion.
“The Oaks owner has at the recommendation of independent arborists and with the approval of Council arborists adopted a maintenance plan which includes pruning of the oak grove as needed and approved by Council from time to time. This work is intended to prolong the life of the trees as long as is possible and has already had some very positive impact. There is no certainty regarding the life of the trees. Soil and foliage testing has confirmed the disease as one that we cannot reverse. The arborists say some trees are not likely to live long but with careful management some may still be there for many years to come.
“Trees will be removed when their health is such that Council arborists hold the view that a tree must be removed but not otherwise. The arborists plan recommends a replanting program that extends twenty five or so years into the future to ensure the area remains populated with significant trees when the existing trees do succumb to disease and age.
“The current public discussion would seem to be the result of an ill informed vocal few too readily accepting as fact a bundle of half truths. It is the writers hope that informed consideration of the matter will relieve those who are unnecessarily concerned.
“If, after understanding what is set out above, anyone can see merit in arguing with the approach that has been adopted by the Oaks owner, being the action recommended by successive independent arborists and approved by Council and the action that is responsible for the improved condition of the oak grove and most likely to prolong the lives of the oaks, then in the writers in opinion little can be done to placate them.
“We hope this comment puts to rest any concerns you may have.”
