Relocation of mature tree on Broad Street

WQ.80/2026

WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE MINISTER FOR INFRASTRUCTURE BY DEPUTY H.L. JEUNE OF ST. JOHN, ST. LAWRENCE AND TRINITY QUESTION SUBMITTED ON MONDAY 16th 2026

ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON MONDAY 23rd 2026

Question

"Further to the Scrutiny Hearing on 5th March 2026, and in relation to the mature tree outside the Blue Note Bar on Broad Street, will the Minister advise –

1. the estimated total cost of relocating the tree, including removal, transportation, replanting and associated works;
2. whether arboriculture advice was obtained to confirm it is an appropriate time of year to relocate a mature tree and, if so, whether this advice can be provided;
3. what specific aftercare programme will be implemented after relocation;
4. the total funding allocated for any such aftercare and how long it will be provided for;
5. whether there are records of mature trees being relocated in Jersey in recent years and, if so, how many have successfully survived relocation and how many have not;
6. whether the Tree Strategy 2022 is still being followed and to what extent this is being used to inform the "vibrant core" of the Public Realm Movement Strategy; and
7. what annual maintenance budget has been allocated to support the establishment and long-term health of the planned new trees on Broad Street?"

Answer

1. The cost of the tree relocation (including site preparation, tree removal, transportation, replanting, tying and watering) was £21,520.61.
2. The recommended time for tree relocation and planting is during the dormant season, between October and the end of March. It is also weather dependent. The Chartered Landscape Architects in the Public Realm team have technical expertise but also discussed this with relevant specialists.
3. The planned aftercare programme will be implemented over the next three years. Aftercare will focus on watering, mulching and feeding. The exact time and nature of the aftercare programme will depend on tree recovery and weather conditions and will be proactively adapted to give the tree the best chance of success.
4. The allocated budget for this year is £4,000. The aftercare programme and budget will be reviewed on a regular basis, depending on the tree's condition and needs.
5. The row of mature Maples (Acers) along Rue de L'Etau were relocated successfully using similar methodology.
6. We are following the guiding principles included in the Tree Strategy:

1. Right for Jersey: Right Tree, Right Place – We are replacing a large tree planted in a small planter and a confined urban environment with more suitable and sustainable in-ground trees.
2. Respect and Value Trees – the tree has been given a second life in the countryside, where with the right aftercare, will be able to expand and thrive for longer.
3. Look after Existing Trees – as above; the condition of other trees at Broad Street have been improved by adding planters to allow more water, air and nutrition to get to their roots.
4. Establish New Trees – We are greening St Helier by planting more new trees in specialist underground cells giving them the right, more sustainable conditions to thrive in challenging urban environment.
5. Leadership and Collaboration – We are collaborating and raising awareness about the challenges of urban tree planting through CPD events and direct engagement with the public and other stakeholders

7. The annual maintenance budget to establish the new trees in Broad Street (Phase

1) is £4,000. During the first three years, the maintenance will be an external contractor's responsibility. Once the trees become established, this will be incorporated into the I&E maintenance programme.