Draft Tree Plan
Background
From 2019 through to 2022 we completed work to understand the location and condition of trees in our district and how we should be managing them. A risk rating was completed for each tree and over the past 18 months, trees identified as high-risk have been treated by external arborists.
We want to continue ongoing best practice maintenance to our tree and green assets to ensure the risk level does not return.
The Tree Plan was developed with assistance from Tend Tree Limited in late 2022 and early 2023. National and international best practices were considered along with our local environment and requirements. Contract managers, transport, consenting, water services, planning and environmental team were involved in developing the plan.
Download the draft tree plan here or get a hardcopy from a Southland District Council office or library. Council office opening hours.
Let us know
The purpose of the Tree Plan is to provide a framework for decision-making and standardised processes for a consistent approach to tree management across the district.
The Tree Plan only covers trees on Council owned land like parks, reserves, cemeteries, roads and SDC owned or managed property and other public spaces.
It does not cover trees located on private property; state highways outside of urban areas; and, public land not owned or managed by SDC, such as schools or hospitals. To learn more about tree owner responsibilities on private land at https://www.southlanddc.govt.nz/environment/trees/.
Before we adopt our Tree Plan, we want to know if there is anything else that we need to consider about tree management on Council land and isn’t included in our plan. Please use the form below to send us your feedback. Feedback closes on 9 September.
Timeline
- 9 September - feedback closes
- October - draft Tree Plan and public feedback is considered by community boards
- November - Council adopts the draft Tree Plan
- December - all submitters are notified.