In the autumn Christchurch's 'garden city' image has a downside. Seasonal leaf fall from deciduous trees, in private gardens and alongside the streets in our City's characteristic 'tree-lined' suburbs, can drift up to 20 cm deep along the roads, clog the gutters and create a potential flood hazard by blocking the drains.

Clearing about 200 truck loads (approximately 70 tonnes) of leaves over the course of six to eight weeks each autumn is the responsibility of Council's City Streets Unit - a task which costs around $140,000 each year to complete.

This year, to increase the effectiveness and reduce the cost of the service, Council has appointed a ‘leaf spotter' to inspect the streets most at risk and direct the contractors responsible for removing them. Brian Green is the Council's official Mobile Defoliation Reconnaissance Operative (or leaf spotter). He can be seen driving through the city's tree-lined suburbs for the next month or so, monitoring where streets need to be cleared of leaves.

Photo Opportunity and more! To meet Brian and discuss his role as Christchurch's Mobile Defoliation Reconnaissance Operative, be at the corner of Dudley Street and Stapletons Road, Shirley, 10.30am Monday 24 May.

For further information:

Carol Soundy, Media Relations Co-ordinator