Retention, removal, and replanting of urban trees in housing intensification: Developer and local government perspectives

Property developers play a critical role in the creation of compact cities through the delivery of housing intensification projects. Although densification can provide many benefits, it also increases the potential conflict with existing trees on private land. Managing this conflict is a significant challenge for local government that is directly affected by the attitude and actions of developers. Despite their significant influence, developer perspectives on urban tree management in the context of intensification remain largely unexplored. This study addresses this gap by gathering first-hand insights from property developers and local government staff in Aotearoa New Zealand about the retention, removal, and replanting of trees during housing intensification projects. Data were gathered using online surveys with both groups and follow-up semi-structured interviews with selected participants. Despite recognising the amenity benefits of urban trees, respondents indicated that existing trees were typically removed during intensification. The predominant reasons for tree removal were spatial constraints and the impacts of retention on financial viability. The main reason for retaining existing trees was compliance with tree protection rules, highlighting the ongoing importance of regulation, despite enforcement challenges. Several developers emphasised the role of new tree planting on redeveloped sites to offset the removal of existing trees. Local government also acknowledged the value of new planting, subject to the provision of sufficient space and soil volume within redevelopment sites. These findings can inform the development of targeted strategies that address developer motivations to increase the retention and replanting of trees on private land during housing intensification.