Time came for pine tree to go

A 30m Norfolk pine in Cherrywood has been cut down more than three years after residents first complained about the mess and damage it was causing.

Norton Rd resident Diana Maltby contacted the Bay of Plenty Times in March 2010 when Tauranga City Council refused her request to have the large tree just outside her boundary cut down.

She was filling up a large rubbish bin with tree debris each week and some of the concrete slabs on her driveway had started to lift but, at the time, council arborist Richard Conning said the tree did not fit the criteria for removal. The council agreed to clear debris from the roof of her house four times a year but Mrs Maltby, now 83, said that was not enough.

"Every day it makes a mess, depending on the wind, but we have to clean it up at least once a week," she said.

Mrs Maltby yesterday said a neighbour more directly affected by the driveway damage convinced Mr Conning to visit the property again in May and the arborist agreed the tree now needed to come down.

Mr Conning said: "The tree needs to be removed because of damage it is doing to private property. Back in 2010, circumstances were different and the tree did not meet criteria for removal. Since then the tree has had three years of growth, the situation is now unsustainable and the tree meets criteria for removal."

Mrs Maltby said she was glad the tree was being removed.

"It's been too big for the area. I loved it and I'm sure there were a few birds that loved it ... but the mess, we were always cleaning up," she said.

"I was thrilled it was coming out but a bit sad, too."

Drains blocked by tree roots and debris had also caused floods which had seriously damaged another neighbour's house, Mrs Maltby said. The heavy downpour in April which flooded much of Mount Maunganui also flooded her neighbour's basement and firefighters had to pump out the water.

Arbour Care Tree Surgery senior arborist Guy Dunlop said he estimated the tree was between 30m and 35m tall and up to 60 years old.

The branches were removed on Tuesday and the trunk was removed by crane yesterday.

What to do if you have a problem tree

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  If there is a council tree creating mess or causing damage contact Tauranga City Council arborist Richard Conning on (07) 577 7000.
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  Trees on council land can be removed in whole or in part if the trees are a threat to:
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  Public health or safety.
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  Public or private property.
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  Interfering with infrastructure.
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  In a diseased or dying condition.
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  Where the tree is deemed by the city arborist to be an inappropriate size or species for the site.