Ayala Land assistant vice president Thomas Mirasol expressed confidence that the age-old trees within Ayala Hillside Estates in Diliman, Quezon City would continue to thrive. The residential subdivision’s full-grown trees have crowns that spread up to 10 meters across. These trees were once part of the fairways of the Capitol Hills Golf and Country Club.
When Ayala Land Inc. transformed a portion of the golf course into a residential subdivision in 2002, its planners decided that all efforts should be exerted to retain the stately trees. "As a rule, we made an effort to maintain the trees where they were," says Mirasol. "Only when safety or ability to survive became an issue were certain trees relocated."
In these instances, affected trees were relocated with great care. The root system of each tree was dug out together with a sizable amount of the original soil so that it could be transplanted unharmed. The tree was then brought to a more ideal site with the help of specialized equipment.
The relocated trees now add grace to the roadways of the 22-ha. development in this part of Quezon City which has successfully defied congestion. It is a few minutes drive from top universities. While development in surrounding areas has ushered in malls, more buildings and other conveniences, tranquility continues to reign in this exclusive residential enclave.
Mirasol observes that the site of each Ayala Land subdivision, its natural environment as well as other defining characteristics that assure quality are maintained through the years largely by a set of rules. These are called Deed Restrictions and lot owners are obliged to observe these rules.
Says Mirasol: "Ayala Hillside Estates’ deed restrictions ensure that the place will remain a haven for decades – for the residents, as well as the trees."