REPLACING trees in Petersfield’s central car park is to cost East Hampshire District Council £22,000.
Two Lime trees are being replaced because their roots are lifting the tarmac in nearby parking bays.
In their stead two trees known as Chanticleer will be planted in specially built tree pits which are four metres wide, seven metres long, and one-and-a-half metres deep, at a cost of £11,000 a tree.
A council spokesman said: “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.”
Petersfield Society green environment expert Andy Moffatt said the innovative solution was the after effect of unannounced plans to fell and replace two Maple trees in The Square.
The ensuing outcry led to a re-think on tree felling in public spaces by East Hampshire District Council (EHDC), Andy said.
He added: “The experience the council had in 2015 with the two trees in The Square when protestors forced a re-think and saved them has led to a new approach to tree felling in public spaces.”
The campaign to save the trees in The Square 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.
“The council has now adopted a strategic approach to this issue, which is very good.”