A PIONEERING method of replacing trees in Petersfield’s central car park is the result of an earlier ‘save the trees’ protest say green campaigners.
Petersfield Society green environment expert Andy Moffatt said the after effect of unannounced plans to fell and replace trees in The Square has led to a re-think by East Hampshire District Council (EHDC) on tree felling in public spaces.
He said: “The experience the council in 2015 had with the two trees in The Square when protestors forced a re-think and saved them has led to a new approach by the council.”
The campaign to save the trees was led by the Petersfield Society and saw hundreds of residents sign a petition calling for the felling to be abandoned.
Andy added: “This time the council contacted the Petersfield Society and talked us through the reason behind felling the two trees in the car park, and how they would replace them.
“It was good work on both sides, and the council has adopted a strategic approach to this issue, which is very good.”
The Lime trees in the car park are being replaced at a cost of £22,000 because their roots are lifting the tarmac in nearby parking bays.
In their stead two trees known as Chanticleer, a species suitable for street side planting, will be planted in specially built tree pits which are four metres wide, seven metres long, and one-and-a-half metres deep.
A council spokesman said: “The trees are being replaced as part of a project taken forward by East Hampshire District Council and landscape and arboriculture specialists.
“New well-established trees are being planted using the latest arboricultural techniques which will encourage growth and protect the surface of the car park.
“The technique sees the use of a specially-dug tree pit and nutrient-rich growing sand to ensure healthy root growth.
“The tree roots will no longer search for water on the surface, lifting the hard standing around them. This pioneering work increases the lifespan of the trees and protects the surfacing around them.”