By Maia Hart, Local Democracy Reporter
Ropes are used to secure the branches, in case of "sudden summer limb drop" on a 95-year-old eucalyptus tree to be cut down. Photo: Supplied / Stuff
A "notable" 112 year old eucalyptus tree has been cleared for the chop by an independent commissioner who outlined its safety risk from a phenomenon known as "sudden limb drop".
The 21 metre high Eucalyptus viminalis in Rema Reserve, Blenheim, was first earmarked to be felled in April, following a decision made by Marlborough councillors, but it first needed to go through a resource consent hearing.
Under the Resource Management Act, the Marlborough District Council is required to protect heritage trees. Other trees are listed as "notable" because they are an important landmark, commemorate an important local event, have a historic association with a well-known public figure, or have distinctive botanical value.
The Rema Reserve tree was listed as "notable" following a request from the family of the original landowners who subdivided the area.
But a worried resident on Hope Drive in Blenheim requested its removal after a large branch broke off in December.
The resource consent went out for public consultation, with four opposing its removal and seven supporting it, a decision released this month said.
Independent commissioner Elizabeth Burge said in the decision key issues included public safety, the tree's health and maintenance, falling debris and ecological effects.
The decision said one of the opposed submitters was Natalie Hope, whose parents were the original owners of the land. Hope, who was supported by her brother Lester, outlined the history of the land and said the tree was known to them as "Bert" and was planted in about 1910 by Herbert Mitchell, who was Marlborough mayor from 1950-53.
"They spoke of the importance of the tree and the site generally to them because of the family connection," the decision said.
"They reiterated that they strongly regret the decision to remove the tree but reluctantly accept it provided that they could be involved in any decisions regarding replanting and the disposal of the felled timber."
Marlborough Landscape group representative Jan Johns told the commissioner a key goal of the group was to "protect iconic trees and significant plantings". The group considered by granting the application it would set a precedent for the removal of other trees, the decision said.
Eucalyptus are sometimes called widow makers as their branches are known to snap and fall with little-to-no warning. Photo: Supplied / Stuff
Marlborough Landscape Group representative Richard Hunter said he was concerned the decision-making process for notable trees lacked mātauranga Māori (traditional multi-disciplinary and holistic knowledge) and that knowledge would be "assisted greatly" in that decision-making process.
Marlborough District Council land use senior planner Jenny Folster, having heard submissions, confirmed she thought the recommendation to chop the tree should be granted.
The decision said Folster reiterated the risk the tree posed because of its ability to suddenly drop limbs.
"It is not solely a matter of it being a notable tree," the decision said.
Folster also noted the risk of damage from the tree had gone from minor to moderate within a couple of years, the decision said.
Remec Consulting Limited planner Anna Straker, on behalf of the council, said if the tree was to remain, the council as landowner would be responsible in the event there was a serious accident.
"She stated the council considers that it is unable to meet its health and safety obligations without having the subject tree removed," she said.
The 21-metre-high eucalyptus tree at Rema Reserve, in Blenheim, with branches reaching over a neighbour's wall. Photo: Supplied / Stuff
The decision said the Marlborough District Council adopted its tree policy in 2020, to guide decision-making on all trees, including notable trees.
The commissioner agreed with Folster that the unpredictable natural phenomenon of "sudden limb drop" could be considered a significant threat to public safety.
The decision said several submitters supported its removal due to the high level of tree deposits, including bark, leaf litter and twigs, and gum seeds. This created a nuisance for residents and the roading system.
The commissioner said some sort of interpretation panels could assist in keeping alive the history in the reserve - a condition included as part of the decision to remove the tree.
While the view of Te Ao Māori presented by Hunter, while important, was not determinative.
Ultimately, the commissioner concluded the proposal to remove the tree, subject to conditions, would not result in any adverse effect that would be more than minor - and granted the consent subject to conditions.
These included contacting Hope once timber had been felled and replacing the tree with other plantings suitable for the soil and climate that would encourage birdlife and biodiversity. In choosing the new plantings, the consent holder must also seek input from those who had submitted.
Local Democracy Reporting is Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air