While the NEWS has reported on the polyphagous shot hole borer (PSHB) infestation in Elma Park, it would appear the infestation has spread to Dunvegan.
The NEWS started reporting on the beetle crisis in March last year after residents and Ward 18 Clr Heather Hart identified the problem.
The City of Ekurhuleni confirmed in April last year that Elma Park was infected by the beetle.
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Dunvegan resident Kerry Hartel informed the NEWS of the Dunvegan infestation after she found a tree on her property that was infected by the beetles.
Dunvegan is a leafy suburb with pavements lined with trees and home to Glendower Golf Club, which borders Elma Park.
The two suburbs are divided by First Avenue which offers little resistance against a beetle that can fly a kilometre at a time.
“About three trees from the Dunvegan area, which were already infected by the beetles, recently collapsed,” said Hartel.
In a 2018 press release, found on the municipality’s website, the CoE said the beetle originates from Asia and contains the fungal symbiont fusarium euwallaceae.
Only two millimetres in size, the beetle bores tunnels into tree trunks and spreads the fungus.
“Trees that the beetle infests often die from the fungus,” read the press release.
Infected trees have a fine light brown powder covering the bark and damp circular dark markings on the bark.
“The infected trees I have seen become weakened then become home to termites and often just collapse.
“They may look aright and healthy on the inside but the trunk or a large branch will just snap. What if it falls on a person, a vehicle or a child?” asked Hartel.
Hartel, who hopes to start a Dunvegan sub-committee for the infected trees, encouraged community members to get involved try to save the trees and the suburb.
“Besides the impact the beetles are having on the ecosystem, there is also an impact on the aesthetic of the suburb. If nothing is urgently done to treat the trees, the suburb could become a graveyard of bare branches and stumps over the next few years.
“I believe the trees add so much beauty and value to the suburb.”
In the hopes of fighting the infestation, Hartel encouraged community members to focus on their gardens first then identify trees on pavements.
“It probably will cost money to have this infestation sorted out but it is a severe problem,” she highlighted.
To get involved in the committee or to lend a hand email dunvegantrees@gmaail.com for more information.
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