Oak trees versus power lines and wattles versus drivers – the basis for tree action by Martinborough Golf Club to remove some obstacles before power lines are hit and drivers blind-sided.
The two oak trees at the club’s entrance had been extensively pruned, but continued to grow into the overhead power lines.
“There is now a significant risk of a tree becoming ‘live’ as they’re growing too close to the overhead lines,” it noted in a statement mid-month. Ithe club worked “with a qualified arborist and the line’s company to shut off the power to the Club and safely remove both trees.”
Native tree replacements are to be planted in the vacant spaces and clear of the overhead lines.
A group of five self-seeded wattles at the corner of Todd’s and Hinekura Roads were the next to go as they “pose a very real (traffic) danger … due to a lack of visibility at the intersection,” the club said.
The trees, growing on land leased by the club, will be felled “solely to improve safety and management of the area,” while the nearby fence was to be relocated further back from the road corner to provide “better sight lines for road users.”
“It will also be much safer for our staff when mowing the road verges,” with the area also cleared of the existing blackberry before grass is sown.
The Club asked that road users comply with any traffic management requirements, including speed restrictions, during the short project.
