After countless trees in Elma Park were infected by the polyphagous shot hole borer (PSHB) beetle, trees lining the suburb’s pavements now stand dead and pose a risk to motorists and pedestrians.
The branches and trunks of the trees, which were once infected, are now at risk of falling onto passing cars or pedestrians.
Ward 18 Clr Heather Hart said during winter the beetles are dormant but added that once the tree dies the beetles migrate.
Hart said without the assistance of the PSHB Beetle Informal Committee, Alex Dellas and various other experts it would have been much harder to find a solution.
Earlier this year, the committee started a pilot project and looked at possible solutions for treating the trees.
“The trees which have been identified pose no risk of infecting other trees around them.
“Branches need to be cut off to ensure they do not fall and injure anyone or damage their property.”
Hart said the City of Ekurhuleni needs to methodically come to the area and trim the dead trees.
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“I was informed by the city that contracts for tree fellers will only be renewed in September.”
Hart said although it is a contravention of the municipal by-laws for residents to cut trees on pavements she could understand why community members would cut down the dead trees.
“In some areas, dead branches could cause damage to fences and walls.”
Hart advised community members that if they seek to have the tree cut they should seek assistance from the informal committee.
She encouraged community members to communicate with the municipality and request that it cuts the tree down before taking action into their own hands.
