How are the many street trees in the CBD kept watered? I note many of those planted in footpath/paved areas appear to have no means of directing surface water to the tree roots. Is there an underground watering system? Carl Davidson, Auckland.
Mark Miller, Auckland Council's manager for local and sports parks, says that there is an annual watering programme for the younger trees in the city centre and this is, to a degree, dependent on monthly rainfall. The aim is to water the younger trees on a weekly basis through the summer months.
More mature trees are not watered as they have well-established root systems which tap into the natural ground water under the CBD. Where possible the council is looking at making these paved areas permeable around mature trees.
The majority of new tree plantings include passive watering devices, directing water from footpath surfaces into the below-ground planter pits making use of the surface run-off. Permeable surface treatments have also been used around trees to allow for water to flow into the area around the trees.
A friend reported that she had seen a fellow using a little camp stove to heat water (for a cup of tea or whatever) inside a children's playground area. Is there any restriction around this? Janice Marriott, Mt Eden.
