Facilities Management (FM) have a primary duty of care for the Safety of everybody accessing any of the University owned and operated facilities. On top of this requirement FM are responsible for the upkeep of all University buildings, roads, and underground services.

Annual routine inspection of the University tree stock has identified the need for maintenance to be performed across areas of the University to reduce the level of risk for all the items outlined above.

The first area to have these works deployed will be in the Arts’ District with work starting on 1 July 2025.

Recognising that this work is a priority in retaining campus safety and retaining the integrity of infrastructure across campus, a number of factors have been considered including:

 Safety Concerns: Risk to students, staff, and visitors due to unstable trees.

• Root Plate Instability: Trees show signs of failure, especially in high winds, due to restricted root growth.
• Building Damage: Roots are affecting building foundations, causing structural issues.
• Surface Damage: Roots have damaged walkways and driveways, creating hazards.
• Roof and Gutter Issues: Overhanging branches are causing physical damage and water ingress.
• Underground Infrastructure: Roots are disrupting sewer and stormwater systems.
• Persistent Risk: Despite maintenance, some trees remain hazardous due to location and condition.

 Environmental Commitment

If during these works tree removal is required Facilities Management have adopted a two for one replacement policy to compensate for the loss of a tree. The current location strategy is to:

• Plant as near the original site as possible to maintain canopy and aesthetics.
• Consider alternative sites to include locations within the UC waterways’ riparian zones to support biodiversity and erosion control

Affected Buildings:

• Arts Precinct.

What do you need to do?

• Do not enter any fenced off area
• Be aware of machinery noise from use of the chainsaw and chipper.
• Follow all site signage.

 

Please direct any enquiries to fmassist@canterbury.ac.nz 

Thank you for your consideration as we undertake these required safety works.