Pruning aims to deter antisocial behaviour

September 5th, 2014
[by David Armstrong]

The Wallace Street hedge of the Kiyosato gardens has been trimmed to waist height with the aim of allowing people to look in and hopefully deter vandalism and poor behaviour that is prevalent inside.

For some times concerns have been raised that the thick hedge along the southern and western borders of the gardens provide a safe haven for youths intent on mischief.

It also discourages many people from entering the gardens when they cannot see who or what is inside. Some people have even thought that it was a private area.

Tasman District Council, the Motueka Community Board, the gardens trust and Keep Motueka Beautiful have been seeking answers for some time that would allow the area to retain its potential for a peaceful haven for reflection while discouraging vandalism and petty crime.

At its meeting last month the community board received a report by TDC's Glenn Thorn on feasible options, ranging from removing the hedge entirely, removing every second hedge plant, pruning from the ground level up, and doing nothing.

The board supported the option that the Wallace Street hedge be pruned from the ground up to about one metre, as a first step before possible complete removal of some plants.

Last week Nelmac contractors carried out this task, and the result has been well received. What do you think?

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