Trees are retained, as many as possible, as a result of the environment, conservation, climate change and the utmost importance of the level of available oxygen. Trees are protected by the by-laws which were approved on January 25, 2007, and only trees which are listed below can be removed:
* A tree which causes danger.
* If the tree is dead or diseased beyond recovery.
* Causes a traffic hazard, where pruning will not alleviate the problem.
* Obstructs the view of traffic signs or signals.
* To accommodate road widening.
* A tree which causes an electrical problem, where pruning will not alleviate the problem.
* Roots interfere with underground infrastructure and services, where pruning will not alleviate the problem.
* Is damaging private or Council property e.g. walls or paving, where another horticultural solution will not solve the problem.
* Has been proclaimed a noxious weed or invasive plant in terms of Regulation 15 of the Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act of 1983 (CARA).
* Is considered to be dangerous and where pruning will not alleviate the problem.
There is a pruning schedule for the year, although council and heritage society members have said that many trees have not been pruned for almost 15 years, as they have to identify emergency situations on almost a daily basis as a result of residents cutting down trees illegally.
Residents will be fined whether the tree has been damaged or removed in accordance to the by-laws. The value of a tree is determined using internationally accepted criteria known as the Helliwell System for evaluation of trees which were accepted for EMM.
Fees for removing a street tree for an additional driveway will be determined by the size of the tree; the diameter of the tree trunk one meter above ground level, as follows:
* 0 to 150mm – R 1 025
* 150 to 300mm – R2 035
* 300 to 600mm – R4 070
* Bigger than 600mm – R8 470
The removal of a tree for a driveway shall only be done on the recommendation of the department Infrastructure Services.
The fee for removing any tree, or the fee for charging an individual for illegally damaging or removing a tree will be determined by the responsible Horticulturist using the Helliwell System of Tree Evaluation plus the actual cost of removing the tree.
The formula is: A x B x C x D x E x F x G x R = Total value of tree
Criteria used in the Helliwell system of tree evaluation:
• A = size of the tree;
• B = useful life expectancy of the tree;
• C = importance of position of the tree in landscape;
• D = presence of other trees in the vicinity of the tree concerned;
• E = aesthetics of the tree;
• F = form of tree;
• G = botanical value of tree;
• R =12 + 10% (increase)
No tree may be pruned or removed from Metro property except by the division Metro Parks or a contractor appointed by the department (Clause 6.9).
The division Metro Parks of the department will not operate on private property or remove trees growing on private property.
Ward Councillors will be informed when it becomes necessary to remove a number of trees at a single locality within the Councillors ward.
Trees protect the ozone layer, it protects us and provides oxygen; if they are destroyed it affects our seasons, densification and chases away our bird life as they cannot survive without their trees or the amount of oxygen which is generated.
Trees which grow slow can take over 80 years to grow to its fullest size, fast growing trees take up to seven years and generally it takes trees between 15 and 25 years to grow to a point where it is providing what we need.
If you have an emergency situation involving a tree and the matter is of utmost importance, you can contact Given 011 999 2580 in working hours and after hours contact the fire station 011 907 9214.
The City of Ekurhuleni has begun its drive to plant 11 000 trees in 101 wards throughout Ekurhuleni on Friday April 11.
As catalysts of a cleaner and greener Ekurhuleni, the city continues to extend its greening vision. The day will mark the beginning of the 11 000 trees campaign as well as the opening of the Motsu Park in Tembisa.
This initiative strives to create an urban forest to combat these climate challenges, as well as to maintain a healthy environment for the benefit and well being of all residents in Ekurhuleni.
Public areas such as schools, clinics, police stations, parks, sports facilities and open areas have been identified as the areas where the 11 000 trees will be planted by April 25.
