Trees blocking your view cannot always be removed easily. Call an Expert! Often one of the deciding factors when buying a house can be the view out from the property.
Whether it be a view of the ocean, native bush in the distance, or the city itself, Auckland has a range of stunning views on offer.
However, due to how quickly trees can grow in Auckland’s environment the view you bought your house for may not last forever. So, what can be done?
This blog discusses options for people trying to restore their views without destroying the trees around them.
Beautiful Auckland view with treesThe first step is to accurately assess the situation.
It may not be as simple as “those trees are in the way, cut them down!” You need to look at the purpose the trees are serving. The trees blocking your view might also be protecting you from the wind, stabilising a bank, shading form intense summer sun or screening you from your neighbours.
Also, trees blocking your view might be protected. It is worth taking the time to get a bigger picture view of the situation before you rush in with the saws.
Trees blocking view pictureIdentifying the species of trees blocking your view is very important.
By knowing the species you can get an understanding of the eventual size the tree is likely to grow to and how long it will take to get there.
This will help to decide how to manage the tree. It can be tempting to think that all you need to do is cut the top off that is in the way. In many situations this can be the least suitable option and results in the tree attempting to regain the foliage it has lost, blocking the view once again with a structure that is compromised and more likely to break apart.
You need to find out who owns the trees and if they are protected in any way before you work on them. You can do this by checking your house deeds, talking to your neighbours and talking to council Arborists or Planners. Not doing this could lead to neighbour disputes and fines.
Next it is time to form a management plan.
This will include deciding the trees to be pruned, how much they can be pruned, and how many times they will need pruning. Full restoration of your view without destroying your trees may not be possible in one prune.
A more sustained approach may involve a succession of prunes over a few years to achieve the desired outcome. Depending on the species, this could involve gradually removing the lower canopy encouraging the branches to be above the view, or training branches via pruning away from the line of sight.
A staged approach will be less harmful to the tree and often leads to a longer lasting solution that does not require annual maintenance. In some circumstances the best option may be to remove the tree and replace it with a more suitable alternative.
Finally, it’s time to do the tree work to restore your beautiful Auckland view.
This basically involves implementing the management plan and prune trees blocking your view.
For details on pruning see our how to prune a tree blog post. Avoid the temptation to take too much off in one go.
As a general rule no more than 30% of live canopy growth should be removed during each prune. Ideally you should be removing a lot less than that to keep your tree healthy.
If you are unsure of whether you can reach the branches you need to prune contact a qualified arborist and they will be able to help.
Check out all our “How To Provide Tree Maintenance Series” instructional guides. These arborist guides are aimed for tree owners who are keen to get their hands dirty.
- How to trim a hedge the right way for the best results…
- How to care for your trees in the summer heat…
- How to mulch a tree and take care of your trees…
- Best time of year to prune large trees is now…
- How to prune a tree and how you can manage the condition of your trees…
- How to plant a tree guide with plenty of helpful advice…
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Rossy and the Team.
Rossy | 021 508 806 | treecareauckland.co.nz
