Street and park trees

Street and park trees

Tree planting in our parks and streets is an integral part of the character of Waipā. They make an important contribution to our district’s visual appeal, as well as the health and wellbeing of our community.

Find out more about our street and park trees, arborists and tree procedures and policies [PDF] .

Caring for new street trees

With proper care and management, trees can live for a long time and provide ongoing benefits for future generations.

We run an aftercare program for the first three years after planting that includes watering, mulching and re-staking.

There are a few things residents can do to help ensure the trees on their street are healthy and provide benefits to their property, road frontage and the surrounding community.

Watering

Watering a new tree with a bucket of water or garden hose a couple of times a week during the heat of summer is one of the most critical ways residents can help improve the new tree’s survival while it adjusts to its new environment.

Council will also water the tree periodically during the first three years, but every extra watering helps.

Weeding

Prevent weeds/grass from competing with the new tree. Herbicides and grass trimmers should be avoided, hand weeding is perfect if possible.

Mulching

Do not put grass clippings around the stem of the new tree.

Aged tree mulch is the best option and will be renewed yearly by council, if required. Renewing mulch more regularly can be carried out by residents if desired, it will improve soil quality and water retention around the tree. Circles of mulch should always be donut shaped, with a clear space between the stem of the tree and the mulch.

Avoid unnecessary damage

Keep away from the tree stem with grass trimmers, other power garden tools and vehicles. It is very easy to damage or ringbark and kill a juvenile tree with these.

If any of your street trees die you can report it to council and request a replacement by calling 0800 WAIPA (924 723).

Benefits of urban trees

• Trees have been shown to intercept between 9 and 61% of rainfall. They also reduce erosion and sediment going into our stormwater systems.
• Two medium sized healthy trees produce enough oxygen required for a single person for one year.
• Trees protect biodiversity by providing habitats.
• A tree can absorb up to 150kg of carbon dioxide and help mitigate climate change.
• Trees properly placed around buildings can reduce air conditioning needs by 30% and save energy used for heating by 20-50%.
• Large urban trees are excellent filters for urban pollutants and fine particulars.
• Strategic placement of trees in urban areas can cool the air by between 2 to 8 degrees.
• Spending time near trees improves physical and mental health by increasing energy levels, while decreasing blood pressure and stress.