Problem Kerikeri Rd magnolia to be removed

The council will remove a mature magnolia tree growing alongside Kerikeri Road early next week following advice from an arborist.

The work, which will be weather dependent, is scheduled to begin on Monday 12 September and should be completed within a few hours. Speed limits on Kerikeri Road will be in place while the work is underway.

The tree outside the SPCA OP Shop at 111 Kerikeri Road is located between the footpath, the Op Shop driveway and a neighbouring fence. It is also growing next to power and phone lines.

While the arborist has confirmed the 13m-high tree is in good health, there have already been problems with it lifting the footpath and sections of the SPCA driveway. The footpath links a retirement home on Kerikeri Road with a nearby supermarket and the town centre, making it a key route for pedestrians, many of whom are elderly.

There is also evidence that roots are now extending under the roadway and it is only a matter of time before they begin lifting the road surface creating a hazard for cyclists and other road users.

In a report provided to council in May, the arborist explored an alternative option of removing some of the tree roots. However, this was rejected as it would only defer the problem until roots again grew under the footpath and driveway. Nor does this option address the issue of roots damaging power and phone cables.

The arborist recommended that the tree be removed, and the broken and hazardous concrete be replaced.