Standing Tall

New Zealanders and their relationship with trees. By Michael Mansvelt

Trees are an intrinsic part of New Zealand’s identity. From the towering kauri forests that once blanketed the North Island to the solitary shelterbelt trees dotting farmland, trees are as much a part of our heritage as the land itself. But how do we, as New Zealanders, really feel about trees? Are we protecting them with enough fervour, or do we see them as a hindrance when their size or placement no longer suits us? The answer isn’t straightforward. While we’ve embraced tree planting initiatives and revegetation projects, our attitude toward tree protection – especially in urban areas – has been mixed at best. This article highlights why our trees deserve not just our appreciation but our active safeguarding.

PLANTING VS PROTECTING

We love planting trees. It feels productive and hopeful, like we’re doing our part for the environment. But what about the trees already standing tall in our communities? Tree protection often takes a back seat to urban development, convenience, or misguided fears about safety. Trees are cut down because they’re “too big” or supposedly hazardous, yet many of these removals are based on misconceptions rather than reality. Now consider this: most people only live in a home for around seven years. Cutting down a tree that’s been growing for 100 – or even 30 – years seems disproportionately shortsighted, doesn’t it? That tree has likely weathered generations of change, offering shade, beauty, and environmental benefits that simply can’t be replaced by a sapling. It’s worth asking ourselves: are we thinking about the next century or just the next tenant?

URBAN TREES: A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE

The importance of urban trees is not just a Kiwi concern; cities worldwide are proving their worth. In Melbourne, Australia, urban trees are credited with reducing summer temperatures by up to 2°C in heavily treed areas, cutting energy costs and making the city more liveable. Singapore, often hailed as a model for green urban planning, boasts 47% green cover, with vertical gardens and urban forests contributing to its residents’ wellbeing and reducing heat stress. In contrast, cities with fewer trees suffer. Studies in the United States show that neighbourhoods lacking green spaces have higher rates of depression, obesity, and even violence. The message is clear: the more trees, the healthier the people.

PLANNING CITIES FOR TREES

As New Zealand’s urban lots shrink and housing density increases, the need for street trees and community gardens becomes critical. Gone are the days when sprawling gardens were the norm. Today, many Kiwis live in compact homes with little outdoor space. This makes public green infrastructure essential. City councils and developers must prioritise tree-lined streets and shaded spaces. A supermarket car park that scorches your car in summer because it’s treeless is not only unpleasant but poor urban planning. Trees in these spaces provide much-needed shade, cooling surrounding areas by as much as 10°C, making errands less gruelling on hot days. Communities need to demand trees as part of basic urban living. If you can’t see trees from your window, something’s gone wrong. Every New Zealander deserves to live within sight of greenery, a fundamental marker of quality of life.

THINK ABOUT THE BENEFITS OF A TREE

Before cutting down a tree, consider the countless benefits it provides – not just for humans but for the environment and wildlife. Pōhutukawa trees, with their brilliant crimson blooms, offer an abundant food source for native birds and insects over summer. Kōwhai trees are a favourite for kererū and other nectar-feeding birds, their golden flowers a beacon of life and sustenance. Even nonnatives provide benefits. Oak trees, for example, are a magnet for bees, crucial pollinators whose populations are under threat worldwide. Camellias, often thought of as ornamental shrubs, provide valuable nectar for native birds like tūī and korimako bellbird during winter when food sources are scarce. Trees along riverbanks help stabilise soil, preventing erosion and improving water quality for aquatic life.

TREES ON FARMS: SHELTER AND PRODUCTIVITY

On farms, trees aren’t just beautiful – they’re hardworking. They provide essential shelter for livestock during storms and scorching summer days, improving animal welfare and productivity. Tree roots prevent soil erosion, and strategically placed windbreaks can protect crops and buildings from high winds. Farmers worldwide recognise the value of trees. In Kenya, agroforestry projects have shown increases in crop yields by up to 30% due to improved soil health. Similarly, New Zealand farmers are increasingly planting riparian zones to filter runoff and boost water quality.

THE MYTH OF THE “TOO-LARGE” TREE

There’s a persistent belief that large trees are dangerous or somehow inherently bad. But what exactly makes a tree “too large”? In most cases, it’s not size that’s the problem but poor maintenance or misconceptions. Properly caredfor trees, through techniques such as professional limb lifting rather than destructive topping, can coexist beautifully in urban and rural environments. Large trees like the pōhutukawa and Norfolk Island pine are often unjustly maligned. Yet these species, common in New Zealand landscapes, are incredibly resilient. Pōhutukawa trees, for instance, are masters of coastal survival, with their salt-tolerant, aerodynamic forms enabling them to withstand ferocious winds and storms. Norfolk Island pines, often dismissed as relics of a bygone era, are remarkably stable even in adverse weather conditions.

NATURE AND MENTAL HEALTH

Tree-filled environments are proven mood boosters. Research from the UK found that residents in greener neighbourhoods reported 15% lower stress levels, while a study in Toronto estimated that having just 10 more trees on a city block was equivalent to feeling seven years younger in terms of health benefits. Leafier cities encourage exercise, improve air quality, and create community pride. New Zealand has the opportunity to lead by example, integrating trees into our urban designs and ensuring every resident can enjoy their benefits.

If you’re lucky enough to have trees in your garden or on your street, treat them with respect. Never top a tree — a harmful practice that creates weak, unstable growth and ruins its natural form. Instead, consider lifting the lower branches to let sunlight through in winter while preserving the canopy’s shade and shelter in summer.

Trees are not just a luxury; they’re a necessity. Whether it’s the pōhutukawa on your coastal walk or the Norfolk pine standing sentinel over your neighbourhood, these trees are guardians of our environment and our mental well-being. The next time you consider removing a tree, pause and ask: what value does this tree bring – not just to me but to my community and the generations that follow? Let’s think long term, not just about the next seven years. Let’s stand tall for our trees.

About the author

Michael Mansvelt is a landscaper, interior designer, and TV host of Te Arawa and Dutch descent based in Aotearoa New Zealand. His new book Everyday Opulence: Homes, Gardens, Interiors Inspired by Aotearoa – designed by Michael Mansvelt is available in bookshops now, published by Bateman Books, RRP $69.99.