Auckland Council will protect any tree over four metres tall or 400 millimetres in girth, even species listed as pests on its website. Image: Auckland Council The Monkey Apple tree is known for being hard to kill. Stuff/Caroline Williams Auckland Council is investigating the poisoned trees. "Large trees, even pest species, can provide amenity (such as shade or shelter), important habitats for birds and help prevent soil erosion and land instability." Many of the pest species were large and had been planted "well before" they became recognised pests, Auckland Council principal biosecurity advisor Dr Imogen Bassett said.

Source: Stuff March 22, 2019 00:00 UTC