Planting will be a feature of efforts to lift tree canopy coverage in the Howick Local Board area.
The board has approved the Urban Ngahere Analysis Report, which highlights low overall coverage for the area at 16 per cent. The report says the area’s rural land contributes more than half of that, with residential land just 11 per cent.
About a quarter of the area’s parks and open space feature canopy cover, but only 6 per cent of local roads do.
The report sets out areas for increasing coverage that are intended to help provide lasting benefits for communities.
A multi-year tree planting programme on public land, in parks, open spaces and along the road corridor is urged to help increase overall tree numbers.
The board provided funding in the 2018/2019 financial year to undertake a ‘knowing’ phase of the Urban Ngahere programme, which involves detailed analysis from aerial studies.
Howick’s tree cover is low compared to the averages across the region but is 1 per cent above Auckland Council's minimum target.
The board has provided further funding in the 2019/2020 year to scope sites for new trees as part of a ‘growing’ phase that will work with schools and the community to develop plans to grow natives for planting in the area.
