The removal of most of the female ginkgo trees in Jubilee Crescent begins this week, following consultation with residents during the past year. The trees, which have affected residents largely through the offensive odours they emit, will be felled by Alfa Contracts Ltd as part of an active management programme.

Letters have been sent to Jubilee Crescent residents notifying them that the work would be commencing and what was involved. Whakatāne District Council Technical Advisor, Fiona Hennessey, says the contractor has advised the work will be noisy, with chainsaws and stump grinders working throughout the day. 

“The work is covered by approved Traffic Management and Health and Safety Plans,” she says. “All practical measures will be taken by the contractor to ensure the safety of people in the street during the operation.

“We’ve asked residents to pay attention to all signs, and to respect the advice of the ground staff who are empowered to issue directions to anyone in the vicinity of the work site,” Ms Hennessey says.

In September 2012, Jubilee Crescent residents were asked to complete a survey of options for managing the odorous tree issue. Of the 54 residences, 30 responses were received, with the majority opting for an active management solution.

Ms Hennessey says the active management plan includes the removal of the majority of the female trees, with the remainder being pruned over a period of time. “The plan will also aim to ensure the trees are spaced evenly along the street, so would include the eventual removal of unevenly spaced trees with replacement planting to fill in the gaps.”

The tree felling is expected to begin during the week starting Monday 23 September and is expected to take up to a week.