Trees

Protected and notable trees

Trees are vital worldwide to counteract global warming and the thinning of the ozone layer. They are needed in cities to reduce glare and reflection, and to cut down noise and air pollution. They also form part of the urban character, especially in Christchurch – the Garden City. Christchurch City Council has a list of heritage and notable trees on public and private grounds. Some are protected and are in parks and the Botanic Gardens, but most are on private land. There are many trees around the city that we walk or drive past every day and are totally oblivious of their history.

Notable trees are those which have special value to the community for one or a combination of reasons. These reasons may include the trees' scenic, recreational, scientific, historic and/or other values. There is also provision for the protection of trees during sub-division, development or other site works, where important trees are particularly vulnerable to damage or unnecessary removal.

There is a particular responsibility on the Council for it to ensure that when any development works are proposed on Council land, full account is taken of any trees or other vegetation affected by such development, and every practicable effort made to ensure their preservation.

Why so few Protected Native Trees?

Apart from isolated strands of native trees and bush such as Riccarton and Papanui Bush, early photographs indicate there were very few native trees in Christchurch. This was perhaps because the area was predominantly swamp. The early European settlers tended to bring and propagate trees from their homeland for nostalgic, ornamental and practical reasons. They knew the trees well and appreciated their beauty and the practical uses for the timber.

Against these values, the native trees were an unknown quantity and were probably considered to be somewhat feral. Since few native trees were therefore planted in the early days large, old natives are few and far between in the city and are greatly outnumbered by deciduous trees from the northern hemisphere. Christchurch residents also place a high value on receiving unobstructed winter sunlight. Northern hemisphere trees that lose their leaves in winter are greatly preferred in this respect.