London Plane trees in Victoria Ave from Taupo Quay to Ingestre St
In April 2025, the council is undertaking work to remove two London Plane trees ((Platanus x acerifolia) located along Victoria Avenue, between Taupo Quay and Ridgway Street, due to damage they have caused to the surrounding pavement and infrastructure.
These trees, part of a larger set planted along Victoria Avenue from Taupo Quay to Ingestre Street, are on a regular renewal schedule due to their size and growth rate. One of the trees will be replaced.
Update 17 April 2025 - plane tree removal Block 1 (Bridge Block), Victoria Avenue
Removal of the plane tree at the corner of Victoria Avenue and Ridgway Street (Block 1) is taking longer than initially expected due to some complications underground.
What’s causing the delay?
During excavation, contractors discovered complex root growth around underground services – including gas lines – which pose a hazard if not handled with extreme care.
Initially, a hydrovac (a machine that uses water and suction to safely remove soil) was being used to expose the roots. However, the hydrovac requires a large amount of space and creates significant noise, which was proving too disruptive to surrounding businesses and residents.
To reduce disruption and ensure safety, the contractors have decided to proceed with manual excavation. This method, though slower, is safer and less intrusive – and, in fact, how this kind of work was traditionally done before the introduction of hydrovacs.
What’s happening over the Easter weekend (18-21 April)?
The site will be securely fenced off over the Easter weekend to isolate any hazards. Excavation work will resume from Tuesday, 22 April and is expected to take approximately five days.
What’s next?
Once the tree is fully removed, the following steps will take place:
- Installation of root guards for the new tree
- Reinstatement of kerbing and pavers
- Planting of a new garden bed.
All up, we estimate this next phase of work could take another 2–3 weeks to complete.
Replacement tree planting
The new tree won’t be planted until late July or August, which is the ideal time of year for successful establishment.
Looking ahead
This situation highlights the importance of installing root guards for all new plantings. These guards help direct underground services around the tree, and in 10 years when it’s due for replacement, root removal will be far more straightforward.
Thanks for your patience and understanding as we work through this carefully and safely.
Work details and cost
The tree at the Taupo Quay end will not be replaced due to space constraints and potential interference traffic light visibility. It has also caused damage to the median strip in the middle of the road. However, a garden will be created in its place, which will contribute to the aesthetic and functional improvements in the area.
The tree near Ridgway Street will be replaced and a new garden installed to help prevent future issues with lifted pavers and kerbing.
The total cost of the project is estimated at $35,000, covering the roadwork, footpath reinstatement, new plantings, tree pit installation, and garden enhancements.
Reasons for tree removal
One primary reason for the tree work is that the roots of these large trees have pushed the pavers out of place, creating hazards for pedestrians. To reset the pavers, significant root removal would be required, which would compromise the health and stability of the tree.
This poses a risk to both the tree's survival and public safety, increasing the chance of tree failure.
Renewal cycle for London Plane trees
The London Plane trees along these four blocks in Victoria Avenue are part of a regular renewal cycle every 7 to 10 years. These trees are very large, fast-growing species that can grow up to 8 meters in just 10 years and reach up to 40 meters if left unchecked.
Due to the limited space available in the city, it is necessary to replace these trees periodically to prevent them from causing damage to surrounding infrastructure, including roads, pavements, and kerbing. The replacement also allows the opportunity to incorporate new technologies, such as root barriers, which help protect the surrounding infrastructure from root damage.
Why London Plane trees?
The decision to use London Plane trees is rooted in their suitability for urban environments. This species is tolerant of urban pollution and high levels of traffic, making them an ideal choice for a busy city like Whanganui. They provide valuable shade in the summer, which helps reduce overall city temperatures, and they shed their leaves in the winter, allowing more sunlight to reach the ground.
Additionally, these trees are historically significant as they were chosen by Mayor James Laird in the 1880s to begin the street tree planting scheme along Victoria Avenue, adding to the character and heritage of the area.
Changing to a smaller species would alter the look and feel of the CBD and may not withstand the high levels of activity or provide the same environmental benefits.
The council’s commitment to urban trees
The council places a high value on the role of street trees in enhancing the city’s environment and infrastructure. While tree removal and replacement are sometimes necessary, the council’s decisions prioritize the long-term benefits of trees for the community as a whole.
These trees not only beautify the area but also provide important environmental benefits, including air quality improvement and heat reduction. The council remains committed to maintaining and renewing Whanganui’s treescape for future generations while ensuring that necessary adjustments are made to safeguard public safety and infrastructure.