The two redwoods set for the chop at the Wellington Botanic Garden ki Paekākā. Photo: Supplied/Wellington City Council
Part of the Wellington Botanic Garden ki Paekākā will be closed to the public on Wednesday as two large redwood trees are removed by helicopter.
The trees are decaying due to damage from kākā, as well as pests and diseases that have entered the trees through the damaged bark.
Wellington City Council arborists and external consultants made the decision to remove them on health and safety grounds.
Wellington Gardens manager David Sole said some people might be disappointed by the removal of the trees.
However, it was great to see kākā - a "taonga species" - return to Wellington in such high numbers, he said.
"We are working towards a solution to the problem by diversifying our species being planted, especially as we continue to identify species that are less vulnerable."
A helicopter would be used to remove the trees, which are near the Treehouse Visitor Centre, in sections.
Weather permitting, the work would be carried out between 9am-4pm Wednesday.
The visitor centre, display garden toilets, play area, duck pond and discovery garden would all be closed for the duration.
The downhill walk would be open with two slight detours.
Many attractions - including the Lady Norwood rose garden, the begonia house, the herb garden, Australian garden, peace garden, display garden, sculpture trail, and succulent and cacti gardens - would still be open.
The Cable Car and Krupp Gun lookouts would be open, as would businesses around the Botanic Garden, such as the Cable Car Museum, Space Place and Picnic Cafe.
Sole said locals had been notified of the work through a letter drop and there would be signage to show people alternate routes through the gardens.
