Dead Pine trees in Berea to be removed

NORFOLK Pine trees in Berea which have died as a result of the removal of their bark, will be cut down. It’s believed the bark is used for medicinal purpose.

This comes after Umbilo resident, Carol Mast-Ingle, brought this practice to the attention of Berea Mail in September, when she reported a Norfolk Pine tree had been hacked at and its bark removed in Umbilo Road.

Since then, reports had come from others, stating trees near Dunkirk Park in Umbilo, Berea Park, as well as Currie Road, had also been damaged by people removing bark.

Commenting on this when approached in Morningside last week, Sarisha Premnarayan, area horticulturist from the Parks Department, said the department were first notified about a tree ripped of its bark in Berea Park in November last year.

She said law enforcement was asked to patrol the area frequently so that they could fine whoever was ripping bark from the trees.

“Unfortunately the tree in Berea Park as well as another reported in Currie Road, will have to be cut down. We have put in a request for this to be outsourced. It is sad as these trees cannot be used for medicinal purposes, and even thought they are not indigenous, they need to be protected. It is sad to see them being hacked,” she said.

She said if people were found doing this, they would be fined.

Another option to try save the damaged trees would be air layering, to assist recovery from the wound as this process encourages growth of the tree.

Premnarayan urged anyone who witnessed the butchering of the trees to contact the city’s head office on 031 322 4000 to speak to the district horticulturist.

ALSO READ: Durban’s Pine trees targeted for bark

Mast-Ingle this week said she was thrilled that the hacked tree in Umbilo Road was beginning to grow again.

“I hope to get information from the Parks Department on what we can do about these trees and the damage done to them. I urge people to get hold of me, as I want to create a group for those interested in all things trees – whether they are damaged, mutilated or cut down – as this is of common good for the community,” she said.

Contact Carol Mast-Ingle on 072 012 7144 if you are interested in joining her group.

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