Street Trees

Street trees provide a significant structural element to the streetscape and are often a defining characteristic by framing the street, defining space for pedestrians and by helping to separate the footpath from the carriageway. They are symbolic of the landscapes’ cultural heritage and contribute positively to Te Puhinui by: • Providing habitat and increasing biodiversity • Regulating local climate and mitigating against the urban heat island effect • Improving air quality by filtering air borne particulates and pollutants including sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, cadmium, nickel and lead • Sequestering CO² (a mature tree absorbs approximately 21kg per year) • Reducing stormwater run-off • Improving water quality when incorporated into storm water management systems • Providing a high amenity green leafy environment • Improving and/or creating legibility and identity.

The selection of street trees need to consider: Durability and Resilience Street trees need to be durable in a street environment and resistant to the effects of trampling, physical ‘mishandling’, vandalism, pollutants and a range of environmental conditions such as drought and wind exposure. Form + Consistency The ideal street tree will display a consistent form with a wide, open canopy that can be shaped around street lights, traffic and other structures without compromising its growth and overall form. Nuisance Street trees should not present a challenge to surface drainage through excessive leaf fall or root trespass to below ground drains or cause unnecessary nuisance or danger to people and property from shedding of limbs and excessive leaf fall. Solar Access The placement and density of street trees should give consideration to the impact shade will have on the streetscape environment and adjacent land uses. Light penetration in winter and shade/ cooling in summer are preferred characteristics of selected trees as well as the ability to train and manage the trees structure and form for light availability and visibility.