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Armada Way nature and greenery

Aerial CGI image of Armada Way scheme facing from North Cross roundabout towards Plymouth Hoe

How many trees will be planted in the new scheme? 

There will be a total of 202 trees in the North of Armada Way (between Royal Parade and North Cross Roundabout) compared to 153.  

What size will the trees be? 

All the trees when planted will be at a height of between 3.5 to 8 metres (or 11 to 27 feet) and will be selected for their suitability for an urban landscape.  They will grow significantly over time. Estimated heights of the trees when first planted:

Minimum height of trees on planting (metres and inches)  How many new trees will be this height when first planted? 
3m / 10ft  12  
4m / 13ft  11  
4.5m / 15ft  43  
5m / 16.5ft  82  
6.5m / 21.5ft  14 
7-8m / 23 - 26ft  1  
Total:  163 

Estimated heights of the trees when fully grown:

Estimated height of the new trees when they are fully grown (metres and inches)  How many of the new trees will be this height when fully grown? 
4m / 13ft  12 
7m / 23ft 
8m / 26ft 
9m / 30ft  40 
12m / 40ft  33 
14m / 46ft 
15m / 50ft  27 
16m / 52ft  34 
18m / 59ft 
17-22m / 56-72ft 
Total:  163 

What types of trees will be planted on Armada Way? 

Following feedback from local environmental groups, we are looking at a diverse mix of UK native and ornamental trees.  The species have been carefully selected for their resilience to disease and climate change, they are also less likely to suffer in future from stress and sporadic growth from the base of the trunk. Trees with foliage to ground level have not been used to allow better views and sightlines through the scheme. They include Field Maple, Alder, Himalayan Birch, Red Maple, Scots Pine, Love Tree, Turkish Hazel, Maidenhair Ginkgo, Hornbeam Carpinus, Callery Pear Pyrus, Cockspur Hawthorn, Silver Lime, Elm, Silver Birch, Stone Pine, and Norway Maple. We want to celebrate the trees that we plant and install small plaques with information about each species.   

What else is being done to encourage wildlife in the new scheme? 

We want the new scheme to benefit nature as much as we can, which is why we want to add more trees and beneficial greenery than were in Armada Way before.  In addition to the trees and shrubs, wildflowers will be planted to encourage pollinators like bees.  Bug hotels and bird boxes will also be installed throughout to encourage wildlife.  Reed beds will provide much-needed natural filtration for the water being recirculated from the drainage system, so that chemicals don’t have to be used.  This water will maintain the trees and plants, in addition to filling the shallow stream running down the scheme. 

How will the trees and plants be maintained? 

We have been working with our Street Services team on an enhanced maintenance scheme for the planting and hard surfaces.  The trees that we will select, coupled with the fact they will be watered through the sustainable drainage system, should mean they require less maintenance. A five year maintenance plan will be in place with specialist contractors. 

What is happening to the existing trees on Armada Way? 

We understand the depth of feeling surrounding the previous decision to fell the trees, so we are committed to keeping as many of the existing trees as possible. We are NOT proposing to fell any further live trees on Armada Way.  

The 16 trees in the Piazza will remain and be enhanced with their ground conditions improved. There will be 11 existing trees remaining in and around the play area, with three further trees to be retained and integrated into the design near the underground toilets.   

However, we will be moving (translocating) four trees to enable the installation of the new sustainable urban drainage system, which is much needed to deal with the city centre’s rainwater, prevent flooding incidents and help keep our sea cleaner. Some of the trees are also situated on the route of the 12-metre-wide cycling and pedestrian route through the centre, which plays a critical role in opening up the vista to the Hoe. 

What is translocation? 

This is the relocation of a living tree – including the roots and the soil around it – moving it from one location to another. 

It is generally carried out during the dormant period for trees following their leaf fall in November and involves the excavation and transportation of the tree, complete with its root ball using specialist machinery.  

The tree and its root ball are protected during transport, taking particular care not to allow the roots to dry out or get damaged.  

The tree and root ball are then placed in a previously-prepared pit slightly bigger than the size of the root ball, the tree aligned to its original north–south orientation and planted to its original depth with supportive compost and additives.  

The tree is then guyed to keep it stable in its new location, allowing the new roots to grow and secure it in its new home. The tree is then subject to an intensive care regime, which includes regular watering, weeding and other attention to ensure it performs well in its new home. 

Where are the trees currently that are being translocated? 

One tree, a Sorbus, is currently located within the hoarded off compound next to the Copthorne Hotel and Armada Centre. There are two Maples outside the entrance to the Knowledge Hub and a Silver Maple tree outside the former Pound World shop. 

Where will the trees be translocated to?  

The trees will be translocated and replanted at the new arboretum that is being created at The Park in Plympton. Once there, they will receive significant care and support by expert horticulturalists to ensure the best chance of survival. 

Why can’t the trees be translocated within Armada Way itself?  

For the best chance of survival, translocated trees should be planted in an open green space within a deep pit, surrounded by high quality soil, to help the roots bed in. It is less stressful for a translocated tree if it is located in a natural environment, rather than a harsh urban one. In addition, to stabilise translocated trees in their new homes requires ‘guys’ (ropes to anchor the trees to the ground). This makes the footprint of each tree very large and is a trip hazard for pedestrians and cyclists.  

Will the trees survive?  

Translocation is a complex process which is not undertaken lightly and it carries some risk of failure. It is however sometimes used as a tool to move trees away from harm, such as locations subject to development or to correct the location of a tree from being in the wrong place.