The Local - Mt VictoriaLocals were right to be cross about the bad fig tree pruning, as Jane O’Loughlin reports.
Uproar about a decimated fig tree has led to a Wellington City Council back track, and acknowledgment that the work by contractors did not meet expected standards.
Last month The Local reported on community concerns following the severe pruning of a popular Elizabeth Street fig tree, outside Clyde Quay School.
Many residents were particularly aggrieved that the tree had been pruned just before the figs were ready, which both deprived the community of its produce and because trees are usually pruned when dormant in winter.
The council initially defended the work carried out by contractors, saying it was needed for safety as the tree was obstructing the pavement.
A spokesperson also said the species would tolerate the pruning and ‘summer was a good time for it’.
However, a Mt Victoria resident, Judi McCallum, reported to The Local that she’d had a conversation with a tree inspector from the council on site who admitted the work had been carried out ‘badly’ and was unhappy with it.
The council subsequently issued an updated comment on the subject:
“Following a number of complaints, Council’s Arboriculture Team have investigated the incident, and is following up with the crew regarding both their decision making and quality of the work that was done as this is not common practice or representative of the high standards that the team deliver elsewhere in the city, and to prevent a similar situation happening again.
“To help the fig tree recover, the team will visit the site regularly to carry out minor pruning and work to promote growth.”
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