Careful thought for roadside plantings

MANAWATU District Council is highlighting the need for wise consideration by private land owners intending to plant trees and hedges along or near roadside boundaries.

Roading Team Leader, Jim Mestyanek, said as the massive cleanup of damage caused by gale-force winds in the district four months ago neared an end, many residents were now contemplating replanting programmes.

But he urged them to think carefully about their reasons and rationale for planting along roadside boundaries because of the various visibility, safety and maintenance issues that could surface.

“Roads are an asset, not only for use as a road, but as a roading corridor for other utilities such as power, gas, telecommunications and mail, so these aspects must be taken into account when any vegetation is planted near them.”
Mr Mestyanek said apart from ensuring clear visibility for road users, there were also issues surrounding the proper maintenance of the vegetation, such as adequate pruning, and ongoing clearance of adjacent drains and culverts so they didn’t become clogged by falling debris.

“Tree roots also come up seeking water,” he said, “and this can raise the level of the drain, which often requires a lot of excavation to repair.”

Mr Mestyanek said there were many points to be considered with the maintenance of vegetation alongside roads that weren’t necessarily acknowledged when people planted trees for beautification.

“Trees look cute in black polythene bags, but that little plant might grow into an eight metre-high tree with serious overhangs.”

He said the July storms emphatically demonstrated what could happen when large numbers of trees fell onto or across roads and revealed the large costs subsequently faced by land owners and council in clearing the slash and wood.

“Where do you put it, when do you burn it, how do you handle it – these are some of the questions that have to be addressed.”

Mr Mestyanek said plantings in the urban area could also raise concerns, especially when it involved certain varieties of tree.

“Cherry trees and liquid ambers are particularly aggressive with their shallow root patterns and they can break footpaths and cause trip hazards.”

He encouraged people thinking of planting alongside their roading boundaries in both the rural and urban areas to consult with council on their plans. Property owners planning to plant outside their boundary and near the road require council permission.
Copies of the Manawatu District’s Road Planting Policy and Guidelines are available from the council’s office in Feilding and at the Feilding Public Library, as well as on the council’s website www.mdc.govt.nz