Canterbury is home to beautiful landscapes and thriving ecosystems, but invasive tree species are increasingly threatening our region’s unique natural environment. At The Tree People, we specialise in the safe removal of these invasive trees to help restore biodiversity and
protect both local ecosystems and agriculture. In this post, we’ll discuss some of the most common invasive trees in Canterbury and how we handle their removal safely and efficiently.
Common Invasive Trees in Canterbury
- Sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus): Sycamore trees grow quickly and spread rapidly, displacing native vegetation and contributing to soil erosion. Their dense canopy prevents sunlight from reaching the forest floor, affecting plant diversity.
- Willow (Salix species): While willows can be beneficial for stabilizing riverbanks, their fast growth can take over riparian areas, reducing native plant and animal habitats. They are notorious for invading waterways and causing blockages.
- Holly (Ilex aquifolium): Holly is a dense evergreen tree that outcompetes native plants by creating heavy shade and producing toxic berries harmful to local wildlife. It spreads aggressively, particularly in forests and along the edges of roads.
- Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster species): This shrub spreads quickly and forms dense thickets that smother native vegetation. Its berries are a food source for birds, which disperse the seeds, allowing it to invade more areas.
- Pine (Pinus species): Wilding pines are a significant threat in Canterbury, overtaking grasslands and alpine ecosystems. They deplete soil nutrients, reduce native plant growth, and disrupt local wildlife habitats.
The Importance of Professional Removal
Removing invasive trees isn’t as simple as chopping them down. Without proper management, many species can regrow, spread, or cause damage to the environment. That’s where we come in.
At The Tree People, we follow a proven, environmentally responsible process for invasive tree removal:
- Assessment: We identify the invasive species on your property and assess the best removal strategy.
- Safe Removal: Using specialised tools and techniques, our experienced team safely removes invasive trees, minimising impact to surrounding vegetation and structures.
- Follow-up Treatment: We ensure regrowth doesn’t occur by applying targeted herbicide or root removal, preventing further spread.
- Restoration: After removal, we restore the area by planting native species to promote local biodiversity and soil health.
- Ongoing Monitoring: We offer regular monitoring to ensure the area remains free of invasive species.
Why Choose Us?
Our team at The Tree People is highly skilled and passionate about invasive species management. We work with you to ensure the safe, efficient removal of invasive trees while preserving the ecosystem. With our eco-friendly approach and commitment to sustainability, we help restore native ecosystems and protect agricultural land from the damaging effects of invasive species.
If you’re dealing with invasive trees like sycamore, willow, holly, cotoneaster, or pine, contact The Tree People today. Let’s work together to keep our landscapes healthy and thriving!