Almost a dozen more tree species are likely to be prohibited from being planted anywhere in the Queenstown Lakes District.
Sections of the district plan, including rules around ‘‘wilding exotic trees'', are under review at a hearing at Lake Hawea this week.
In his evidence to the hearing, council planner Craig Barr said the purpose of the wilding exotic trees chapter was to prevent them visually degrading the landscape and compromising biodiversity.
‘‘I consider the best method to manage the spread is through prohibiting identified wilding tree species,'' he said.
Mr Barr drew up an initial list of 13 trees he recommended should be prohibited.
After reading public submissions he added seven more species.
The additions include crack willow, hawthorn and rowan.
Rowan trees are among those providing a colourful autumn display at the entrance to Wanaka.
Mr Barr told the Otago Daily Times the rule covered the planting of trees and did not require the removal of existing trees.
Landscape planning consultant Marion Read, employed by the council to provide evidence to the hearing, said she considered silver birch should also be on the list.
‘‘Silver birch, which as been planted frequently as an amenity tree throughout the Wakatipu Basin and elsewhere in the district, is now proving to be a wilding threat also.
‘‘I have found wilding silver birch just outside the boundary of Mt Aspiring National Park near Paradise, and wilding silver birch seedlings can be seen all over the face of Coronet Peak in the autumn, appearing as small orange flames.''
Mr Barr is also recommending a change to allow radiata pine to be planted - it is prohibited - under certain conditions that would ensure seedlings did not spread to surrounding land.
Mr Barr said the change to the district plan recognised ‘‘the potential positive uses and benefits associated with radiata pine, and that there will be locations and circumstances where the managed planting and maintenance is appropriate''.
Some reports have suggested 300,000ha of Otago has some wilding infestation and the area could triple in the next 20 years if nothing is done.
The district plan review hearing at Lake Hawea is before commissioners Denis Nugent (chairman), Mark St Clair, Brad Coombs and Ella Lawton.
Tree ban recommendations
Species recommended to be included in the Queenstown Lakes District plan as ‘‘wilding exotic trees'' to be refused resource consent:
·Contorta or lodgepole pine
·Scots pine
·Douglas fir
·European larch
·Corsican pine
·Bishops pine
·Ponderosa pine
·Dwarf mountain pine
·Maritime pine
·Mountain pine
·Sycamore
·Hawthorn
·Boxthorn
·Buddleia
·Grey willow
·Crack willow
·Cotoneaster Rowan Spanish heath
●Radiata pine could be granted resource consent, with conditions.
