All atwitter over lack of action on tree trimming

Trees with branches overhanging a footpath in Mosgiel were eventually trimmed by a contractor for the Dunedin City Council — but certainly not at the first time of asking.

A resident began inquiring of the city council about trees in Hagart-Alexander Dr in November last year.

Delta trimmed them this month and a Twitter thread shows it took 10 inquiries spanning almost four months before the matter was dealt with.

The council apologised for the delay.

The resident said he had to duck branches when running in Hagart-Alexander Dr and he raised safety concerns.

The council consistently responded the issue would be followed up by parks and recreation staff.

On January 6, the council said the contractor had advised the branches would be trimmed by the end of that month.

On March 4, the council said the contractor "should be out there today".

The exchange on Twitter ended mid-March and parks and recreation services group manager Scott MacLean said he was satisfied the necessary pruning work had now been done.

Street trees are managed by the city council and maintained by its contractor, Delta, as part of a 10-year contract expiring in 2031.

Mr MacLean said the work involved annual tree inspections and maintenance, as well as responding to additional requests.

The trees in question had been scheduled for pruning this winter, but some work was brought forward after complaints were received, he said.

"This took longer than we would like, but we are satisfied the worst branches overhanging the footpath have now been pruned.

"Additional pruning will be carried out as scheduled this winter."

grant.miller@odt.co.nz

Comments

How about less grooming of the rugby fields at Mosgiel--a waste of fuel ( more pollution), time, and money --every week through COVID, WHY??? Raised goal posts for 6 fields, then months later down they come--no players or games. WHY?? Use some common sense--the grass was mowed to bowling green status. This could have been done once a month instead of once a week. Solve problems like over hanging branches and not muck around wasting time and money on deserted sports grounds.

 

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