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Trees
Protected Trees
Trees provide shade and shelter and enhance privacy. They absorb
environmental pollutants and can soften "visual pollution". Papakura has
become well known within the greater Auckland region for its abundance
of mature evergreen and deciduous trees.
Many of Papakura’s scenic reserves and bush lots feature remnant native
forest and mature plantings of exotic species, including Kirks’ Bush,
Margan’s Bush, Redmount Scenic Reserve, Red Hill Scenic Reserve,
Dominion Reserve, Kauri View Reserve and Sonja Reserve.
Likewise private property owners in many parts of the district are
planting trees for their many beneficial effects, and others are
enjoying trees planted on their properties ten, twenty or more years
before.
Property owners and arborists in Papakura are advised that a range of
tree species have protection from pruning or felling. A list of these
species is
here.
Overhanging Trees - between two
neighbouring properties
Trees or Shrubs
- causing an obstruction to pedestrians
Overhanging Trees (between two neighbouring properties)
The Council
has no responsibility for shrubs or trees overhanging the boundary of
adjoining residential properties that may be causing loss of light,
dampness or a general nuisance. It is a common law or private matter. It
does not involve Council except where a tree or shrub overhangs the
front boundary and obstructs a footpath in the street.
The Property
Law Act contains provisions on the action that can be taken by a
property owner concerning shrubs or trees overhanging the boundary.
Concerned property owners should contact their lawyer or Papakura's
Citizens Advice Bureau
for further information.
Trees or
shrubs causing an obstruction to pedestrians
On berms or verges
Trees or
shrubs that interfere with pedestrians using a public footpath can be a
nuisance and represent a danger. Trees or shrubs on the berm or grass
verge should not obstruct pedestrians and Council will trim the plants
if they are causing an obstruction.
The Council
will not remove a tree, if trimming is all that is required to alleviate
an obstruction.
Email Council's Customer Service Centre or telephone 295 1300
between 8.00am and 5.00pm Monday to Friday, to report an obstruction.
On private property
Those trees
or shrubs located on private property and overhanging the front boundary
causing an obstruction to pedestrians are the responsibility of the
property owner.
Similarly
trees or shrubs overhanging the boundary and obstructing a public
walkway between two roads is the responsibility of the owner. In
both cases the owner of the tree or shrub has to trim the plant to
prevent the obstruction.
Email Council's Customer Service Centre or telephone 295 1300
between 8.00am and 5.00pm Monday to Friday, to report an obstruction.
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