Tree removal in Lincoln: what's local
A fast-growing township
Lincoln, 22 kilometres south-west of Christchurch, had 10,611 people at the 2023 Census, up from 6,522 in 2018.
A university town
Lincoln University, established in 1878 and focused on the land-based sectors, has its Te Waihora Campus here, and Plant & Food Research has a site on Gerald Street.
Plains wind
NIWA says the plains get prevailing north-east and south-west winds, while north-westerlies are less frequent but very drying. On 10 September 2013, Christchurch recorded a 133 km/hr gust, its highest September gust since records began in 1972.
Council tree rules in Lincoln
Selwyn District Council runs its own district plan, separate from Christchurch's Appendix 9.4.7.1 list. Like other councils, it can protect a tree on an urban section only if the plan schedules it, and a scheduled tree needs a resource consent for work the plan doesn't permit.
We couldn't read Selwyn's tree rules at the source for this page, so ask council directly before a large tree is removed or cut back hard. The permits overview explains consents and the move to the new planning system.
Trees and power lines in Lincoln
Orion's network runs from the Rakaia to the Waimakariri, and Selwyn District Council is one of its shareholders. Any work within 4 metres of an Orion line needs Orion's close approach consent first. From 17 October 2026, outside urban areas, nothing may overhang a line of any voltage.
Shelter belts are among the exceptions to the low height planting rules that begin on 23 July 2027. If your belt is near a line, Orion's 24-hour emergency line is the one to call.
Hiring an arborist in Lincoln
Ring Selwyn District Council and ask whether the tree, or anything near it, is scheduled, and get the answer in writing. If lines run anywhere near the job, talk to Orion first. Then have an arborist quote with the method, the stump and the clean-up spelled out.