Keeping it green arborlab Consultancy

Hurstmere Green is all the more appealing for its leafy canopy. As with most parks, mature trees enhance the surroundings and provide welcome shade in summer.

Arborlab Consultancy Services was contracted to provide arboricultural expertise and specialist input, which helped influence design decisions.

Director Karl Burgisser says the company's consultants also attended the council hearings to allow robust, informed debate of the development of the green in relation to the trees that should be removed and those proposed to be preserved.

"We also developed design solutions for the site and detailed specifications to ensure the works could be undertaken without adversely affecting the retained trees," Burgisser says.

During construction Arborlab monitored the works, including the sensitive excavation around the retained trees. The company also provided the reporting and overview required to meet the resource consent conditions.

Burgisser says a Hydro-vac was used to excavate and remove soil from around the root zones of the retained trees. This allowed the soil profile to be lowered while retaining the maximum number of roots. A specialist paving product was utilised to assist in modifying the ground levels while minimising compaction and allowing porosity for air and water movement under the large chestnut tree. The soil environment was treated with a mycorrhizal stimulant and a specialist mulch product to maintain and promote both soil and plant health.

For more details, contact Arborlab Consultancy Services, 8/76 Paul Matthews Rd, Albany, phone (09) 379 3302. Email: karl@arborlab.co.nz. Website: www.arborlab.co.nz.

Story by: Trendsideas