Protected trees
Friday, 29 April 2011
Trees that have been assessed and evaluated as being of significant value to our District are identified and included on the Notable Tree Register in the Horowhenua District Plan. A range of factors such as the age of the tree, the specimen, its prominence, health, and height are all evaluated to determine if a tree warrants being protected as a Notable Tree.
Currently there are over 100 native and exotic trees identified as Notable Trees in Horowhenua. In some cases these trees are over 100 years old and have become established landmarks in our community.
Why have a Notable Tree Register?
Most trees in Horowhenua are not subject to any rules to protect them. Without the Notable Tree protection status, these trees could be cut down with little consideration given to the value the tree may have to the community. The protection provided by the District Plan ensures that a formal decision is required before a Notable Tree can be deliberately chopped down or damaged.
Why are some of the District’s best trees not protected?
All trees currently on the Notable Tree Register were voluntarily nominated by the landowners at the time the assessment was undertaken in 2000. Not all landowners agreed to their tree being included on the Register which is why there are many trees on private property that would have satisfied the Notable Tree criteria but are not on the Register.
What can I do if my tree is a Notable Tree?
Notable trees are trees which have been protected through the District Plan for their special values. The District Plan rules require that resource consent is obtained before any person removes, destroys or damages a Notable Tree.
The rules do not prevent minor trimming and maintenance from being undertaken to maintain the tree’s state of health.
As part of the District Plan Review project, Council officers will be reviewing the rules relating to Notable Trees as well as identifying and assessing new trees to be added to the register.
How do I know if a tree on my property is a Notable tree?
The easiest way is by checking the list of Notable Trees found in Schedule 2 of the operative Horowhenua District Plan.
The list can be viewed on our Online District Plan page under Part E - Schedules.
Alternatively you can contact the Council with your property details. In many cases a small wooden bollard sign post with a plaque is located near the base of the tree, identifying the tree as a Notable Tree.
Do you have a tree that could be worth protecting?
The Council wants to hear from you if you have a tree on your property or know of a tree in our District that should be considered for protection. Any type or species of tree can be nominated. As part of the current District Plan Review project Council officers will be assessing new trees to be added to the list of protected Notable Trees. Trees that are nominated would be evaluated to determine which trees meet the Notable Tree criteria.
Can I nominate a tree on another person’s property?
Yes you can, however at this stage the Council is still looking to only include trees that the owners have agreed to being included on the Notable Tree Register. Council would make contact with the landowner to confirm that they agree to the tree being assessed.
How do I nominate a tree?
To nominate a tree please email or write to the Council:
David McCorkindale
Horowhenua District Council
Private Bag 4002
Levin 5540
Email: districtplan@horowhenua.govt.nz
Your letter or email should explain:
- Where the tree is located (street address or legal description if possible)
- Whether you own the property
- What type of tree it is
- Why you think the tree should be protected
- Any additional details that would help identify the tree.
