Pruning, not ‘topping’

I write in response to Clive Quintal’s recent letter to the editor.

Hamilton City Council’s Parks and Open Spaces Unit maintains trees across the city on a threeyearly or two-yearly basis, depending on the particular street and species.

This work includes an inspection of the health of the tree, and in some cases pruning trees to ensure power lines, footpaths and roads are kept clear of branches. Pruning does not extend to ‘‘topping’’ or ‘‘pollarding’’ trees, as these methods harm the tree’s natural growth form, are not considered best practice and can impact negatively on individual specimens. Such practices can also encourage even more growth, which inherently requires more maintenance and the loss of a tree’s structural integrity. Weaker trees have an increased risk of failure and the potential to damage nearby assets – including parked cars and fences.

We will have a closer look at the trees in Mr Quintal’s neighbourhood to determine if any work is required.

Street trees are planted throughout Hamilton to encourage the return of birdlife to the city’s environment, and provide a green canopy often admired by visitors and one of the city’s defining natural features. SALLY SHEEDY Parks and Open Spaces Manager Hamilton City Council government is only going to survive with western support and economic assistance. There is now an opportunity to turn this to New Zealand’s advantage. Ukraine, along with Russia and China, has blocked New Zealand’s proposal for a large marine reserve in the Ross Sea. It seems an appropriate time to request Ukrainian support for a Ross Sea Marine Reserve in return for western economic assistance. It is hoped that our government is pursuing this initiative. MURRAY DEAR Hamilton