Source: Environment Canterbury Regional Council
A line of large poplar trees adjacent to the road on the Scannell family property in Pleasant Point had previously been identified as containing bat roost trees. Several years ago, the family worked with us to develop a native planting area and walkway below the trees to provide habitat for the future.
Unfortunately, the poplar trees had recently deteriorated to become a risk to the road and presented as a hazard.
The presence of bat roost trees required a collaborative approach between the Scannell family, district roading representatives and the Department of Conservation (DOC).
To achieve this, the groups initially needed to find a solution that reduced the risk from the trees and protected the bat roosts. After consulting with an arborist it was agreed that all of the trees be reduced to a height that preserved the bat roosting areas and allowed time for the trees to rot down rather than fall over.
Trees with bat roost attributes were checked for roosting bats before they were cut, and DOC was on hand to oversee the process.
Timaru arborist Kenny from Trees at Bay standing high at work in Pleasant Point, South Canterbury
The outcome has been well worth the effort as the trees continue to serve as safe roosts while allowing time for the plantings below to mature into new habitats.
The trees no longer pose a risk to the road or property and the area continues to be a great example of a family collaborating with us to continue working their land and caring for the environment.
Poplar trees before trimming
Poplar trees after trimming
Managing willows in the area
The Reith family’s property in Geraldine is in an area prone to high rainfall events and flooding of waterways. Large willows on their property were growing and falling into the waterway causing damming, flooding and erosion of the banks.
The property is in an area known to be frequented by bats so the family were aware that they couldn’t remove the trees without first consulting with us.
After a land management advisor visited the property and consulted with DOC, the decision was made to kill the large trees standing with the plan to remove them once dead within 12-18 months.
Willows (Salix spp.) were first introduced to New Zealand during the mid-1800s when early settlers discovered they could strengthen riverbanks that had been stripped of their native vegetation. Fast growing, even in the most challenging conditions, their dense root structures form a fibrous mat that protects bare soil from erosion and stabilises the riverbank.
In the wrong place, however, willows can also be a flood risk, taking up valuable space in the active channel of a river. So, while we are planting willows, poplars and other appropriate exotic and native species in some places, in other places we are removing them.
The family, with further advice from our kaimahi, intend on doing some remediation work to the banks and some follow-up stabilising plantings.
Large willow trees on the Reith’s family property have been removed to help reduce the risk of flooding in the area
Further assistance
To find out more about how you can manage problem trees on your property to protect ecological habitats, please get in touch with your local land management advisor or contact us on 0800 324 636
Environment Canterbury © 2024
Retrieved: 7:25pm, Wed 28 Aug 2024
https://www.ecan.govt.nz/get-involved/news-and-events/zone-news/orari-temuka-opihi-pareroa/pest-trees-working-together-to-find-the-best-solution/
