A MAGNIFICENT Natal Mahogany tree in Problem Mkhize (Cowey) Road was recently trimmed back by the Parks Department, which aims to do all it can to save trees.
Berea Mail came across Sarisha Premnarayan, area horticulturist and Sphiwe Gcuma, Berea Park supervisor on site, and spoke to them and tree feller, Brett Swanson, who had undertaken work to save the tree, which they said is older than 80 years.
ALSO READ: Government must intervene regarding water wastage, says eThekwini councillor
“We regard the Natal Mahogany as a pioneer, a champion tree, and we just can’t remove them,” said Premnarayan.
She said this tree hadn’t been maintained in a while, and its roots had grown under the tarred pavement, and was affecting a nearby resident’s gate and wall.
She said the resident was informed they could put in an insurance claim for the damage, and she then set out to do what she could to save this tree.
She contacted Brett Swanson, who worked on the tree.
Swanson said he excavated where the tar was damaged and exposed the roots 900mm down.
“There wasn’t a lot more below this, and we then picked back the roots. We took most of the canopy off to ensure the tree was lighter. We also looked at the tar on the road side, however there weren’t any roots on that side,” he said.
He said this was part of a five to seven-year plan, and this was interim maintenance.
“It will help to put a 2m bed around the base of the tree for the roots to grow. The roots will last around 10 years before they become a problem, at least we have done what we can to save this tree, as you can’t get rid of these beautiful trees,” he said.
Premnarayan said Durban had the ‘Greenest City’ title for a reason and we had to preserve our trees as much as possible.
“We need to preserve our trees, even if they are not indigenous. As horticulturists, this is our job, and we also need to create awareness,” she said.
Do you want to receive news alerts via Telegram? Send us a message (not an sms) with your name and surname to 060 532 5535.
You can also join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
PLEASE NOTE: If you have signed up for our news alerts you need to save the Berea Mail Telegram number as a contact to your phone, otherwise you will not receive our alerts
Here’s where you can download Telegram on Android or Apple
