Storm damage and fallen trees in Invercargill
Call 111 if anyone is in danger. For a fallen line, PowerNet says stay at least 10 metres away and ring PowerNet at any hour. Keep out from under hanging branches, and photograph the damage for your insurer once it's safe.
Tree removal in Invercargill: what's local
Westerlies off Foveaux Strait
NIWA says Invercargill gets a high share of strong westerlies, partly from air channelling through Foveaux Strait. It averages 109 days a year with gusts over 61 km/hr and 15 days over 94 km/hr.
Spring is the worst of it
Invercargill averages 48 strong-wind days a year, and 32.3% of its strong winds arrive in spring. The strongest gust at the airport, 142.7 km/hr, came from the west-southwest on 16 May 1994.
Shelter belts
Macrocarpa was planted widely for shelter because it tolerates salt-laden wind, but it's prone to toppling on some sites. Fast-grown radiata pine on fertile ground can have few roots and be subject to windthrow (blowing over, roots and all).
Queens Park
Queens Park covers 80 hectares of gardens, wildlife habitats, playgrounds and sports areas. Trees in the park are the council's to look after, not yours.
Trees and power lines in Invercargill
PowerNet manages both local networks. Electricity Invercargill covers most of the city and Bluff, and The Power Company covers rural Southland and the outskirts. Either way, faults and tree questions go to PowerNet.
PowerNet says the tree owner is usually responsible for keeping trees clear of lines. If you, the tree or any tool could come within 4 metres of a line, don't attempt the work. On your own service line, which you own, keep vegetation at least half a metre away. A convicted owner can be fined up to $10,000, plus up to $500 for each day the offence continues. The power lines guide explains notices.
Council tree rules in Invercargill
Under the Resource Management Act, a tree on an urban section can only be protected if the district plan schedules it. We couldn't confirm Invercargill City Council's tree schedule at the source, so ask council whether your tree is listed before a big one is removed. The permits overview explains resource consents and the planning changes under way.
After a big blow
Insurers generally cover damage a fallen tree does to the house, garage or fence, and removing the part that caused it, but not the rest of the tree still in the ground. Some policies have a tree removal benefit, so check yours. A neighbour is generally not liable for storm damage from their tree unless they were negligent. The after a storm guide has the order to do things in.
Hiring an arborist in Invercargill
Walk your shelter trees after each big westerly, especially in spring, and get an arborist to look at anything leaning, split or lifting at the roots. If a tree is anywhere near a line, ring PowerNet before you book anyone. And for a large tree, ask council whether it's scheduled first.