Persistent rains over the past weeks saw flooding, damage to roads and other infrastructure, as well as trees fall to the ground.
Trees fell across roads in suburbs such as Malvern and Cyrildene.
Clr Alison van der Molen, of ward 118, commended the JCPZ for fast action, chopping and removing a tree that fell across Friedland Avenue, in Cyrildene, recently as well as the SAPS and Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) for controlling traffic.
“The tree blocked the entire road. The JCPZ , the SAPS and JMPD did a great job addressing the problem. I am concerned about the instability of certain trees in my ward and the danger they pose. Some oak trees have termite damage while others are unstable because people burn leaves at the base of the tree trunk. Due to these reasons, we may have to lose some of Cyrildene’s heritage. I will arrange with the JCPZ to address issues in areas such as Friedland Avenue,” said Clr Van der Molen.
Ms Jenny Moodley, the spokesperson for the JCPZ, said the rain has impacted several areas.
“The tree canopy in Johannesburg is reaching its maturity. There are also certain species with root systems that cannot withstand harsh weather conditions, such as the recent rains experienced. We need to inspect and replace trees that pose a danger. We have accelerated our tree planting programme and we are working area by area. We looked at how we can manage the trees. I urge residents to report trees that need pruning and that pose a danger due to decay and disease. I also urge people not to burn leaves at the base of trees,” said Ms Moodley. Burning leaves at the base of trees is common practice in areas such as Cyrildene, especially in winter.
She added that the JCPZ has a 24-hour team dedicated to dealing with fallen trees that pose a risk.
Send an email about tree concerns to trees@jgbcityparks.com
The JCPZ can be contacted on 011 712-6600 for further information.
