Trees in town

David McBride

​The landscapes of New Zealand are embroidered with trees.

Our native forests comprise complex ecosystems of trees, shrubs and birdlife.

In addition, our forestry industry has sourced conifer species from North America. In particular the west coast of the USA and Canada have been the sources of species such as the pinus radiata and cypress that have flourished here.

In both cases – native and introduced – the visual amenity is often enhanced by the sheer breadth and density of the forests. Turning to towns and cities, trees serve a different purpose.

This is not a matter of density, it is the colour and forms of trees that are on display.

The tree specimens used to enhance the built environment of town centres are likely to be of European origin, with a history in this role of softening any built environment from tarseal and concrete.

The photograph here shows the intricate tracery of such trees in winter, located at Alexandra Sq in central Timaru.

The exact species is disguised in winter, given the absence of leaves during a harsh winter with frosts.

However, the visual enhancement of the trees does remain, awaiting the joys of spring, ready to unfold.