Group calls for more scrutiny over important trees

This is something that is urgently needed before many more trees are lost and we fall further behind in our contribution to mitigating climate change and environmental degradation. Geoff Scrase

Some property owners in Kāpiti are unaware they have protected trees on their site, a mini survey conducted by TreeSpace Kāpiti has discovered.

The group is concerned about the loss and inadequate protection of existing trees in the district, and wants to see more trees in open spaces as well as new housing developments.

The survey used Kāpiti Coast District Council data, established about 15 years ago, to identify the locations of Key Indigenous Trees (KIT).

The group went to 14 properties whose owners/tenants were unknown to them.

Ten owners/tenants were present — seven knew they had protected trees on their property but three did not.

“There were differences in residents’ concerns in different neighbourhoods,” group chair Geoff Scrase said.

“Some showed a high degree of concern for retaining tree cover while others did not.

“Fortunately, almost all the KITs are still present, however, some have been topped or pruned drastically, potentially affecting the tree’s health.

“Helpfully, the survey also identified additional trees worthy of protection yet have none.”

He said the group had made submissions to the council’s longterm plan and anticipated the council would create a tree policy.

“This is something that is urgently needed before many more trees are lost and we fall further behind in our contribution to mitigating climate change and environmental degradation.

“Many cities around the globe, such as Melbourne, Auckland, Christchurch, Los Angeles, New York, and London, have adopted tree policies, ordinances, or rules, some of these are very strongly environmentally focused and commendably restrictive.”

Scrase said it was “well-researched and documented that tree cover provides significant benefits” including mitigation of groundwater problems, cooling by shading and evaporation, reducing heat reflected from concreted and asphalt surfaces, improved mental health and happiness, improved carbon sequestration to reduce the atmospheric increase in the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide, biodiversity enhancement, and improved air quality.

He said the group was advocating for more tree canopy “along the lines of the much vaunted 3-30-300 objective accredited to Cecil Konijnendijk, director and co-founder of the global Nature-Based Solutions Institute”.

“Konijnendijk is an associate professor at the University of British Columbia.

“Every citizen should be able to see at least three trees of a decent size from their home.

“The target for canopy cover for local authorities should be a minimum of 30 per cent in urban areas.

“Dwellings should be no more than 300 metres from an open space which may include trees.

“Key Indigenous Trees are protected by law, as are Notable Trees.

“Permission from the council is required for any removal or significant work on a protected tree.”

He said if anyone was interested in joining TreeSpace Kā piti or providing comment, they could contact the group via kutosgp@gmail.com