Poplar trees no longer popular

Huge, decades-old poplar trees planted for streamside erosion control are causing some big headaches for both landowners and the Northland Regional Council.

Councillor Justin Blaikie says while the council is a supporter of poplars for erosion control, they recommend kawa poplar - a smaller growing variety for hill country erosion and willows like Matsudana for waterways.

The Aspen and Lombardy poplars used in the past for erosion control have now grown to more than 30 metres high. As they begin to succumb to old age/disease, storms and floods the trees are having a costly impact on the very environments they were orig- inally planted to protect.

When they topple across waterways they can create a damming effect, worsening flooding, erosion and other problems. They can also damage electricity lines, roading and other valuable and costly infrastructure. Two trees that have fallen into the Waihou River, near Rahiri Settlement Rd could cost up to $100,000 to remove.

Landowners should check their properties to ensure problem trees are dealt with before any difficulties arise, Blaikie says.

Visit www.nrc.govt.nz