It’s that time of the year when the invasive Taiwan cherry is blooming, and Tasman District Council is urging tree owners to act responsibly by contacting them to arrange free tree removal and replacement.
In Tasman, Taiwan cherry trees bloom from late July to September, attracting birds that spread seeds through their droppings, aiding its rapid spread.
In parts of the North Island, Taiwan cherry trees are competing and winning with natives which serves as a stark warning as to what could happen in Tasman’s forests if we don't continue efforts to eradicate these trees.
“The North Island situation is disastrous,” says Lindsay Barber, senior biosecurity officer at TDC.
“Considering that it first naturalised (wilding) in 1988, the rate of spread has been extraordinary.”
Lindsay estimates that Tasman’s eradication efforts are approximately halfway completed.
“For the past five years, we have focused on rural locations where trees’ spread to steep or challenging terrain is likely to occur. Once they start to spread in these locations, seedlings begin popping up all over the property and on other neighbouring land. Several years of further visits are then required to search for new wilding trees in the general area” he says.
He also highlights the tree's presence in urban areas like Richmond and Brightwater, signalling a need for action.
“TDC is removing Taiwan cherry trees at no cost, treating stumps, and approving replacement trees up to $75 per tree for cooperative landowners. If you bought one in good faith, please contact us.”
For reporting or information, contact TDC Biosecurity on 03 543 8400 or biosecurity@tasman.govt.nz
