Horse chestnut trees dead and going

WATCH OUT FOR TREE FELLING: The council is asking people to try to avoid the area as the decaying chesnut trees are cut down this week. Picture by Liam Clayton

Work has begun to remove decaying horse chestnut trees at the river end of Grey Street.

The decay was discovered in November last year in an inspection by arborists after a falling branch from one of the trees damaged two vehicles parked under the tree.

Severe decay was found in all the trees — there are 12 — and they were evaluated as being a serious risk. They were planted in 1976.

Gisborne District Council liveable communities director Michèle Frey said the species did not have the ability to heal itself after losing limbs, resulting in areas of decay.

The decision to remove the trees was not made lightly, she said.

The council was planting new street trees across Tairawhiti and would be looking to replant in Grey Street as soon as possible, she said.

Nearby businesses and residents were notified of the tree removal work by letter last week. The work will be done in three stages.

Contractors needed to close areas of the road and traffic controllers would be on site to guide vehicles and pedestrians, Ms Frey said.

“However, we ask the community to please try to avoid the area if possible.”

Woodchippers on site could create noise disturbance.

The council is looking to distribute the wood chips to local schools and charities, and encourages anyone interested in the chips to contact Roberts Tree Surgeons on 06 868-6463.