I am concerned about the dangers of our aging, unkempt trees. Since 1886 people have transformed the highveld by planting trees everywhere. Johannesburg and Pretoria are cities of trees making them aesthetically and spiritually enchanting. Now great trees loom over our homes, schools, places of work, avenues, streets, parks, pools and golf courses – and many of them are dead or carry dead branches. These will fall unless those responsible for them – municipalities, owners of companies, boards of schools and homeowners – cut them. This will ensure that there is no possibility of anyone being maimed or killed by deadwood from trees.
Questions that need to be addressed:
- Â Is your family safe in your home? Are your trees a threat to your neighbours?
- Â Is your child safe on the school campus he/she attends?
- Â Are all employees safe at their places of work?
- Â Are commuters safe travelling on our roads?
- Â Are people safe walking in parks, playing sport, playing golf?
The season of storms is imminent. We need to look to the trees and see their wood.
