Don’t remove or prune municipal trees
The City of Ekurhuleni cautions not to prune or treat municipal trees because this urban forest has been planted and nurtured over many decades.
WINTER is here and so are the days of trees shedding leaves.
Enthusiastic tree lovers will no doubt want to prune, remove or treat trees. However, the City of Ekurhuleni cautions not to prune or treat municipal trees because this urban forest has been planted and nurtured over many decades.
These trees are the city’s green lungs, helping to provide clean air, cool shade during hot summer days and a green environment for the community to enjoy.
Residents are warned not to remove trees because they lose their leaves, drop flowers, fruit, seedpods or ooze gum. They are advised to contact the city which is responsible for this, as needed, and has officials who are trained to do so in a way that maintains the ecosystem.
These dead trees, problematic tree roots, tree stumps or trees situated on sidewalks that present a danger to the public, will be pruned or removed by the city and at city’s cost.
Anyone accidentally or wilfully removing trees belonging to the city will be charged the value of the tree as determined through the Helliwell System of Evaluation of Trees, as determined by the approved city tariffs for removal of trees.
Contravening municipal by-laws is punishable by a fine of up to R2 000 or a maximum sentence of six months’ imprisonment – or both.
It is also important for residents to note that trees planted on the sidewalk by members of the public become the property of the city and will be maintained by the city.
Residents wishing to remove or prune trees on the sidewalks must submit a written request and it will be at the city’s discretion to approve the removal or pruning of the tree after proper investigation.
Residents are also encouraged to notify the Parks and Cemeteries division should they want trees planted on sidewalks and park spaces.
All requests can be logged via the call centre at 0860 543 000, on twitter @EMM_call_centre or email on call.centre@ekurhuleni.gov.za
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