Plans released for increased Christchurch tree canopy coverage

The next tranche of plans for increasing the tree canopy coverage across Christchurch and Banks Peninsula have been released.

The work is part of the Ōtautahi Christchurch Urban Forest Plan which aims to increase the canopy cover across the city including an ambitious target of 40% across 1,200 parks over the next 50 years.

Christchurch Acting Head of Parks Al Hardy notes “we’re committed to boosting Christchurch’s tree canopy and these tree planting plans are just one way we are working to achieve this.”

The next 15 plans across Christchurch are being released with parks in Addington,  Cashmere, Papanui, Halswell, Aidanfield, Templeton, Riccarton, Hornby, Burnside, Bishopdale and Aranui.

Hardy added “this tranche of plans is the second in a programme that will run over the next twenty years. We’re aiming to build up to 60 plans approved per planting season so we can get on and get the plants in the ground.

“The website will act as a master page and be updated as we develop the plans for each unique park. You can also see the principals behind how we design the plans.”

The plans account for trees at their full mature size and use a model to manage the potential for shading on people’s homes or sports fields during winter.

“All of the plants we use are carefully selected for the area they’re being planted in. We’re using a mix of 40 to 60% native plants and follow the guidelines ‘right location, right plant and right function’ to avoid any potential problem,” Hardy said.

“Special character parks will continue with their established themes, trees will be positioned to allow for debris management and suited for the local conditions.”

“We will be using the feedback from the consultation to select plant species based on what people want to see in their park.  We are also incorporating Native forest patches that will be spaced at strategic locations across city to help our bush birds return and connect us with nature.”

Once the parks have been approved, tree planting will begin in the 2024 tree planting season which runs from the beginning of April to the end of August.

More information on the Ōtautahi Christchurch Urban Forest Plan 

See the full list of plans and provide feedback at Kōrero Mai | Let’s Talk.