Issue - meetings

ES20209

A discussion took place regarding the costs of the Tree Establishment Programme. A Member commented that the failure to use QR codes with respect to each tree was a missed opportunity. She further commented that some of the planters in the High Street had not been deep enough for plants to thrive and so had died. The Director responded that these trees had been planted previously as part of a regeneration scheme and not all of the trees had succumbed, which was good especially considering the harsh summer that the country had just experienced. It was the case that a replanting programme had now been agreed with colleagues in the Regeneration Department.

A discussion took place regarding the QR codes. It was noted that contractors had been using QR codes to source information concerning the trees, such as when they were last watered. It was anticipated that going forward, (technology permitting) the ability to scan trees with QR codes would be extended to members of the public.

A discussion took place with respect to interactive tree maps. The Portfolio Holder thanked the Tree Team and also local residents who were very keen to support the tree planting programme and water trees when required

A Member drew attention to the fact that eight new trees had been planted in pots in Penge High Street without Councillors being made aware. She commented that six had been stolen in the first week and that squirrels had dugout the earth from the pots and had made a mess. She felt that this was such a waste of resources. It was clarified that the areas concerned were Empire Square and Hartley Square in Penge High Street. It was presumed that people had stolen the trees in order to sell them. The Portfolio Holder said that this particular scheme was not part of the tree planting scheme, but was more likely to be a project that had been initiated by the Regeneration Team. 

A further discussion took place regarding the allocation of contractors for tree servicing and maintenance going forward. The Committee heard that the main time for planting trees was November to March but there was some flexibility regarding this. A Member raised the issue of the problem with utility infrastructure which made tree planting difficult.  He wondered if there was any possible solution to this issue. The Arboricultural Services Manager responded and said this this was indeed a very challenging issue and that it was not possible to relocate utility infrastructure. The Tree Team had to be creative and plant trees where they could.

RESOLVED that the Committee note the progress made in the first year of the Treemendous Tree Establishment Programme.