A day with Citycare Property’s Christchurch arborist team

Every day, Citycare Property’s Christchurch-based arborist team gets out and about doing their bit for the city and the community.

The Citycare Property Christchurch arborist team (from left): Maarten Lammens (Apprentice), David Porter (Labourer), Jackson Proud (Apprentice), Sam Cody (Arborist) and Gavin Kelly (Trees Supervisor).

The team is tasked with removing overgrown and/or old trees whose branches pose a danger – especially during stormy weather – to the safety of residents, the general public and property. Their hard work also pays off by ensuring our Christchurch communities look tidy and beautiful.

The job is not without its many challenges and dangers, one of which is overhead powerlines, says Trees Supervisor Gavin Kelly.

“The arborists have to work under powerlines, often at great heights and with sharp cutting tools. To minimise the risk, they wear thick insulated safety gear. Obviously, this gear ensures their safety but it is also uncomfortable and heavy and can get really hot under all that insulation — especially during the hot summer months.”

Aside from powerlines, trees slated for removal are often located in areas surrounded by buildings or gardens. In this instance, removal of the trees requires a lot of skill and care to ensure the buildings and gardens are not affected in the process. Between them, the team has many years of experience and knowledge to ensure the job is done safely and efficiently.

Due to the current covid restrictions, the team is currently short on manpower but shares a great camaraderie. The nature of the job means trust and the ability to work in a team are high on the priority list.

Gavin encouragingly says the role would be a terrific opportunity for students leaving high school, particularly for those who enjoy rock climbing and being outdoors. A sentiment backed up by 19-year-old apprentice Jackson Proud: “I really enjoy the work because every day is different and there is great variety. Also, it’s nice to see that what we do makes a difference.”

In the last few years, Citycare Property has realigned its strategic priorities to ensure that 'We care' extends to the environment and a big part of this means making a conscious effort to reduce waste. The Citycare Property Arborist Team actively does this by diverting wood chips, that would typically be sent to the tip, to community groups enabling them to repurpose the waste as garden mulch. By providing this product free of charge, these groups are able to free up their often-limited funds to put towards other activities that benefit the communities they work within.

One such group is the Hornby Community Charitable Trust, which administers the Hornby Community Centre.

As part of Citycare Property’s ‘We care’ strategic priority, the arborist team donates tree waste in the form of wood chips to community organisations, such as the Hornby Community Centre, for their use.

“We here at the centre take pride in providing a beautiful space for the community to enjoy,” says Centre Manager, Linda Turner. “We are incredibly grateful for and appreciative of the partnership with Citycare Property.”

From time to time, the team also donates their time and manpower to help out a great cause. Most recently, they pitched in to remove trees and clear an area at the New Brighton Community Garden to prepare for a studio to be built for sculptor Donald Gibson.

"The boys were really good, it was like no bother at all, plus they did such a great job," says Catherine O’Neil, Gardens Coordinator.