Fate of Pohutukawa debated

The fate of a Pohutukawa tree in Mt Maunganui is being decided in a council meeting today.

Residents on Oceanbeach Rd have mixed feelings about removing the large tree, which has caused root damage to the footpath and damaged the water supply to a local resident.

In chambers today, councillors will decide whether to leave the tree and fix the damaged caused by it, or to remove it entirely.

The problem was brought to the attention of Tauranga City Council in May when an Oceanbeach resident noticed problems with their water meter.

The homeowners said damage had also been caused to their boundary wall.

When investigated by the council, it was found the Pohutukawa's tree roots had damaged the supply pipe to the property.

Some minor root pruning and a temporary repair to the supply pipe were carried out and the Council's arborist was notified.

After the arborist inspected the tree, he suggested it should be removed.

He said it would cost approximately $400 plus GST to remove and stump grind the Pohutukawa tree. If the tree was retained, it would cost about $300 plus GST every time the tree needed root pruning.

Whether the tree is retained or removed, the footpath will need to be repaired, he said.

Repairs to the footpath with the tree removed is estimated to be about $700 plus GST, while repairs to the footpath with the tree retained, using a wooden bridge over the root structure, is estimated to be more than $2300.

Oceanbeach Rd residents living within 100 metres of the tree were sent a letter by the council, informing them of its decision to remove the tree.

The council received four phone calls in response _ two supporting the removal of the tree and two against it.