24th November 2023
As part of the refurbishment of Queens Gardens, 130 native and non-native trees are being planted.
The first of 99 trees will be planted within this planting season and include a mix of species to add more seasonal colour and improve biodiversity, ensuring the gardens have a sustainable future. The remaining 31 trees will be planted in the next planting season.
The first batch of trees are being planted along
the new, wider central avenue. It is expected to take approximately four months
to plant all 99 trees.
The species of trees have been carefully selected based on their suitability for this city centre, urban setting, with many offering a range of environmental benefits relating to climate change and disease resistance. They will also provide an improved ornamental value and colour with some of the species having an anticipated lifespan of more than 150 years.
Councillor Mike Ross, Leader of Hull City Council, said: “Queens Gardens is a popular green space in the city centre, and the tree planting scheme will ensure that the gardens continue to be a peaceful and tranquil place for generations to come.
“By planting semi-mature trees, there will be an instant impact, providing a sustainable and flexible space for us all to enjoy.”
Following a detailed arboricultural survey in 2019, it has been confirmed that the existing Poplars along the central avenue are entering the latter stages of their anticipated lifespan having been originally planted in the 1930s.
As they continue to decline, they are prone to dropping limbs and become unsafe. Whilst the works have been underway two trees have fallen, and another has dropped a substantial limb within the gardens.
The 27 existing Poplars will be removed once the new trees within the central garden area are in place and before bird nesting season starts in March. They will be replaced with semi- mature Metasequoia glyptostroboides (Dawn Redwood) and Taxodium distichum (Swamp Cypress), all of which will be more than 10m tall at the time of planting. Both species are fast growing and suitable for wetter soils which exist within the lower garden inside the old dock and have a longer life span than the existing Poplars. The trees will be planted on the outer edges of the gardens to provide a more flexible space for large scale events.
Councillor Ross added: “We appreciate trees are an important feature within Queens Gardens and the decision to remove the trees hasn’t been easy.
“We are sad to lose any trees and recognise their importance within the gardens. That’s why we are prioritising investment in a high-quality planting scheme for future generations.”
Hull City Council has a 3:1 ratio, for every tree removed, three will be replanted.
In total, 151 trees will be removed and 453 will be planted within the gardens and across other locations within the city centre, including Connexin Live, South Blockhouse, Liddell Street Park and the History Centre.
Since 2021, 115 have been felled due to health and safety concerns in relation to the boundary walls or due to them dying or in dangerous condition.
Local contractor, CR Reynolds have been on site since May 2023 and have so far completed the reinforced concrete retaining wall, brickwork for the new retaining wall continues, the installation of the new layout for the accessible ramps, steps and seating and the creation of tree pits is on-going ahead of the planting.
