Trees located within streets and public open space are an important public asset and need to be managed appropriately. As urban areas intensify, streets and public open space will be relied on to a greater extent to provide amenity in these areas.

Trees in our public open space contribute towards Auckland being a desirable place to live and are an important part of Auckland’s natural heritage and identity.

Trees located within streets provide a range of values including making streets more attractive and contributing to pedestrian amenity. Environmentally, trees provide important functional values in terms of storing carbon and providing habitat and food for wildlife. The street has a large range of uses particularly for network utilities and at times these can conflict with the presence of trees. A balance of these competing uses needs to be achieved.

1. Trees in streets and public open space that contribute to cultural amenity, landscape and ecological values are protected.

2. There is an increase in the quality and numbers of trees planted in streets and public open space particularly within areas identified for intensified living.

3. Enable the efficient maintenance and upgrading of utilities in streets provided there is not net loss in the values of trees or groups of trees.

1. Balance the efficient maintenance and upgrading of infrastructure and utilities with the protection of trees and groups of trees in streets.

2. Encourage ongoing planting and maintenance to enhance trees in public open space.

3. Manage trees within streets and public open space to protect their ecological and amenity values while acknowledging that multiple uses occur in streets and public open space.

4. Encourage the use of indigenous trees and vegetation for planting within streets and public open space, where appropriate, to recognise and reflect cultural, amenity, landscape and ecological values.