Parks works on ‘problem’ trees
The Parks Department has assured ward councillor Nicole Graham, that they are acting to remove trees of serious risk in Glenwood and Umbilo.
THE municipality is working on ‘problem trees’ in the Glenwood and Umbilo areas after two trees came crashing down during high winds last week.
Ward councillor Nicole Graham said the municipality had responded to her requests for action after gale force winds brought two Jacaranda trees down in Clarke Road and Fenniscowles Road.
“I have been told that resources within the municipality, which comprises one team of seven staff, are challenged to deal with the management of every street tree liability within the district including Umbilo, Springfield, Sydenham, Overport, Berea, Glenwood, Glenmore, Manor Gardens and the greater Chesterville and Cato Manor areas. The work of this team includes street tree pruning, dealing with public complaints, dangerous trees and emergencies from extreme weather like we had last week,” said Graham.
She said a municipal official had admitted that Glenwood has many old Jacaranda and other trees which may have disease and defects and that this is in itself was quite natural.
“I have been told it is always difficult to pick up on every tree or branch which falls. Through the use of the team and contractors they have removed a number of trees of serious risk and will continue to monitor and manage these trees without taking radical steps of removing avenues of trees,” she said.
Graham said residents should continue to submit complaint which would be inspected by the maintenance team to reduce risk of trees falling and damaging property.
