The Perfect Tree Care Guide For Auckland, New Zealand

Whether you live in Auckland or plan to visit sometime soon, you’ll have no doubt come across the city’s street trees. These majestic tall giants are a central part of the city and it is evident just how much they play an important role in its landscape. Not only do they provide us with oxygen and clean our air, but they also give us shade, reduce the effects of harsh sunlight on our streets and homes, help disperse stormwater, provide wildlife habitat, and support native plant species growth. 

Read on to discover everything you need to care for your tree(s) so that you don’t run into any issues later on.

Why Should You Care For Your Tree?

Yes, your street tree and its canopy do provide us with oxygen, are a welcome source of shade, help control stormwater runoff, and provide wildlife habitat, but there are many more reasons to take care of your tree(s) than these. One of the most important reasons, however, is that trees are one of the most effective and sustainable ways of reducing our carbon footprints. Simply put, when we care for our trees they: - Remove carbon dioxide from the air, a greenhouse gas responsible for at least 65% of the Earth’s greenhouse effect and the majority of our planet’s excessive heat. - They also produce oxygen, a vital ingredient for all living organisms. - They absorb rainfall, reducing the amount of water that runs off into rivers, lakes, and oceans, causing the water table to rise (a serious issue for coastal cities) and the land to subside, contributing to increased sea levels.

How to Care for street trees

It is important to note that street trees are not the same as park or forest trees and care is significantly different. For example, our trees are extremely accustomed to being watered as we are in the New Zealand summer months (June to August), which results in excessive seepage in the city’s winter months (November to February). To prevent the tree from over-watering itself, the best practice is to water your tree once a week, on Monday mornings. If your tree is in an area that receives a lot of rainwater, follow the water level with a cup to avoid over-watering the plant. If you don’t feel comfortable doing so, consider hiring a professional tree care in Auckland that can water your tree for you.

The 7 Steps to Proper Tree Care (and When to Do Each)

Now that we have established you are responsible for your street tree’s care, it’s time to start taking care of it. Assuming you plan to water your street tree regularly, the best practice is to do so once a week, Monday mornings. To do so, first, make sure that no one will be walking on the footpath or road with water in their shoes or car tires. Next, mark the footpath or road with cones or caution tape to let pedestrians and cars know that the area is for them only. Then, find the main trunk of your tree. That’s your starting point when watering. From there, follow the trunk to its watering point. Depending on the size of your tree, it may be possible to access the trunk from the top, but most likely, you’ll need to access the trunk from the bottom.

Which Trees Should You Plant in Auckland?

In Auckland, your street tree can be almost any type of tree. That said, there are certain species that are more suited to your climate, soil, and other factors. 

These include

Oaks - native to New Zealand and a highly popular choice. They are resilient, long-lived, high in the shade, and look impressive

Maples - native to North America and Europe, are a perfect choice for shady areas, parks, and schools

Both the named varieties of the above trees can be found in New Zealand 

Flowering trees - are perfect for the city as they are easy to maintain, don’t need too much space, and add color to the landscape

Summing up

If you live in Auckland, you should care for your street tree(s). There are few steps to proper tree care and when to do each. Try watering your tree once a week on Monday mornings for the best results. It will keep your tree healthy and reduce the chance of damage from extreme weather. Make sure to plant the right kind of street tree in the right place to get the best out of it.

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