heart FULL OF SOUL

The design of the St Patrick's Square upgrade has a strong emphasis on nature. Mature trees bring a sense of calm and reverie to the site, making it a green oasis in the very heart of the city.

The Specimen Tree Company was involved in the St Patrick's Square project from the design stage, providing feedback on species selection that included plant suitability, availability and the heights and grades at the proposed planting times, says general manager Stuart Barton.

"We also advised on transplant feasibility of existing trees, costings for the job, and devised a cost-effective planter pit after trialling several options," says Barton.

At the construction stage, the company supplied and planted two 5m high pohutukawa, eleven 4m high Chanticleer ornamental pears, two 6m high totara, and six 3.2m high kowhai.

"The work involved planting the trees at different stages of the project so as to facilitate completion of an area as required by the construction process," says Barton. "We undertook the planting during various times, including weekends, to minimise disruption to the project team and the public."

Post-construction follow-up included 12 months of after-care maintenance for the trees, and the preparation of a long-term maintenance programme, including sourcing and supplying suitable replacements if any were required.

Contact The Specimen Tree Company, phone 0800 800 873. Website: www.specimentree.co.nz.

Story by: Trendsideas