A number of mature trees will be transplanted to transform the streetscape of Inverness Crescent and Berkshire Streets in Arrowtown, starting tomorrow (Thursday), Queenstown Lakes District Council parks manager Gordon Bailey said.

"The trees were established on an area of reserve ten-years-ago with a view to transplant them as mature trees in the future. We now have 14 beautiful, mature Ash, Elm and Oak trees to establish on road reserve. In two days it will see Inverness Crescent in particular, transformed," Mr Bailey said.

The mature tree transplant would be carried out by consultant Alpine Green.

"It's a relatively specialist thing to transplant a mature tree and it needs to be undertaken just prior to bud burst for the best result," Mr Bailey said.

Arrowtown Councillor John Wilson credited the foresight of the council, and in particular Councillor Kathy Neal, for planting the trees years ago to grow mature replacement specimens.

"In fact only one of these specimens will be used for replacement planting while the rest will be used to enhance the road reserve," Mr Bailey said.

The idea would be kept alive with 14 young replacement specimens to be planted in the nursery for future use.

ENDS

By: Sarah