Is it illegal to cut down a pohutukawa tree?

Pōhutukawa are native to New Zealand and in many parts of the country, they may be protected and therefore require special permission to remove – even to simply prune.

Can you keep pohutukawa trees small?

However, because they respond well to pruning and trimming, pohutukawa are easily adapted to small spaces. They are fantastic as shelter hedging, or can trimmed as tidy silhouettes in a mixed planting. With annual trimming they can even be restrained in a large tub.

Are all pohutukawa trees protected?

Currently, there are several species of trees that are protected in Auckland, which include the puriri, Norfolk pine, kauri, totara and pohutukawa. The pohutukawa (also known as the New Zealand Christmas Tree, or Metrosideros excelsa), is a coastal tree that belongs in the myrtle family.

Are you allowed to cut down native trees?

In the early 2000’s many Council’s protected trees over a certain height or diameter in urban and rural areas, and consent was required to cut trees down or prune them. As a result, many trees within urban areas of Auckland can now be removed without the need of a resource consent.

What trees Cannot be cut down?

California law protects native trees, including oak trees. The state of California bans the removal of certain native trees, including oak trees. Oak trees existed in the state during ancient times, according to the city of Los Angeles, and were used by Native Americans and Spaniards living in the area.

Are pohutukawa trees frost tender?

For example, pohutukawa like warm coastal conditions and are unlikely to thrive on a south-facing hill with a tendency to frost.

Can you top pohutukawa trees?

Undertake any work when the tree is most dormant – i.e. mid winter. However, reducing the size of a pohutukawa is not easy. If you cut large branches back you will precipitate epicormic growth back along the remaining branch which thickens up the within tree foliage.

Are pohutukawa trees endangered?

Despite its importance as a cultural symbol, Pohutukawa populations have declined dramatically – 25 years ago it was thought that up to 90% of coastal Pohutukawa stands had disappeared. The primary threat to this species is invasive non-native possums.

Do pohutukawa trees flower every year?

Yes, you will get flowers over months, but you only get a few flowers at any one time and the whole thing about the pohutukawa is that beautiful mass of bloom around Christmas.

What are pohutukawa trees used for?

Its hard strong timber was used for ship-building, and parts of the tree were also used medicinally by the Maori. Pohutukawa grows in coastal forests on New Zealand’s North Island, where its thick, twisted roots help it to grow on the cliffs.

How fast do pohutukawa trees grow?

around 30cm per year
In a very fertile environment with good moisture and plenty of room, young pohutukawa grow very quickly (at around 30cm per year in height and 5-10cm in diameter), often having quite a bushy form due to multi stems and vigorous lower stem growth, whereas older trees gain around 10cm in height a year and 2mm in diameter …

How long do pohutukawa trees flower?

The flowering, evident across north Auckland, in October was a little early, but not unusually so, Seyfort said: “They [pōhutukawa] usually flower from November through until late December, early January.” An early blooming pohutukawa on Old Lake Rd, near Narrow Neck Beach.