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Tree Information x

Identifier: WTR/2014
Tree Type: Single
Registered By: Lloyd, M. and Brown, M.
Registration Category: Notable tree/s – Local interest
General Notes:
There are taller macrocarpas in the Wellington region, but this at first unassuming looking specimen deserves attention for its notable girth. At just over 11 metres its circumference puts it amongst other entries in the New Zealand Tree Register with planting dates between 1870 to 1890. It is found in the grounds of Belmont Primary School - see photo [1] - which was opened in 1965. Hutt City Council aerial photos from 1941 show the macrocarpa as part of a short shelter belt next to the original homestead. The homestead made way for the school buildings but for some reason this macrocarpa was retained in the school grounds (there is a smaller, younger one next to it). Given its size, an estimated planting date of 1890 looks reasonable. The tree is in very good condition, and as the photo shows it is much wider than tall. The fact that large and higher branches have been pruned-off may have contributed to its notable stoutness [Lloyd, M., 2024].

References
[1] Belmont: aerial view. 1978. Hutt City Libraries, Ref 50; BRN 412838

Single Tree Details

Genus: Cupressus
Species: macrocarpa
Common names: macrocarpa, Monterey cypress
Height: 25.00m
Height measurement method: Estimated
Height Comments: (none)
Girth: 1105 cm
Girth measurement height: 1.4 m
Girth Comments: Single trunk, branches considerably higher up
Diameter: 351.7 cm
Crown Spread A: 35.00m
Crown Spread B: 30.00m
Avg. Crown Spread: 32.50m
Actual Planting Date: actual date not specified
Approx. Planting Date: circa 1890
e.g. circa. 1860
Current Age: 134 years
Tree Health Description: Excellent
Tree Form Type: Single Trunk
Number of Trunks: 1
Tree Form Comments: Very stout trunk, wide spread to crown but not sparse in growth
Champion Tree Score: 544
Local Protection Status: No
Tree Present: Yes
STEM Score: 0

Observations

Date Observer Action
20 Oct 2024 Lloyd, M. and Brown, M.

Location

Lat/Long: -41.1915990316457 / 174.92744076251986
Location Name: Belmont Primary School
Address: 709 Western Hutt Road
Suburb: Belmont
City/Town: Lower Hutt
Region: Wellington
Location Description: On the western side of the school grounds.
Public Accessibility: School/University
Local Authority: Greater Wellington Regional Council

Images

Preview Credit Date
Michael Lloyd 20 Oct 2024
Michael Lloyd 20 Oct 2024
Michael Lloyd 20 Oct 2024
Hutt City Libraries 29 Oct 1978
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