The development of a bark pattern where branch bark is turned inward towards the trunk.
All trees have a finite life expectancy ranging from a few years to decades, centuries or even a millennia. These figures are often misleading since they count for trees growing under 'ideal' conditions in their natural environments.
Trees are affected by a wide variety of non biological (abiotic) causes, either human or natural and biological (biotic) causes.
The 'human factor' can include a number of examples such as habitat destruction, pollution and poor cultural practices like planting too deeply, poor quality stock, lack of aftercare or not providing enough space for the roots which creates unfavourable conditions for trees.
Natural abiotic factors that can damage tree health include mineral deficiencies in the soil as well as climatic stresses such as extreme temperature or moisture conditions, droughts and flooding.
Biotic factors are often the more easily observed causal agents of tree decline. These include fungi, viruses, bacteria, nematodes (parasitic worms), wood and bark borer and insect defoliators such as willow saw fly.
Trees in the urban landscape are stressed in many ways that compromise their vigour and vitality and make them more susceptible to disease.
History
Armillaria novae-zelandiae. Commonly called 'Honey Mushroom' referring to its colour.
Early tree plantings along the Avon riverbanks date back to the 1860s, when under the guidance of the Christchurch Town Council’s chairman John Hall, willows and other trees had been planted along Oxford Terrace.
The planting of oriental plane trees along Cambridge Terrace between Montreal and Cashel Street bridges dates back to 1878.
Some dramatic plantings such as the weeping willows along Park Terrace and Lombardy poplars along Oxford Terrace are the result of continued plantings from more than 60-100 years ago.
The Christchurch Beautifying Association, formed in 1897, is an organisation that developed parallel to the urban development of Christchurch. They were responsible for beautifying many areas and their organised efforts and outstanding achievements have helped create Christchurch's Garden City image and identity.
