City Parks still erring on the side of caution regarding the removal of trees infested with shot hole borer
CRAIGHALL PARK – At this stage, JCPZ say they will only remove dead trees, as some highly infested trees are not displaying accelerated symptoms of dieback.
Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) are still erring on the side of caution regarding the handling of the Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer (PSHB) infecting trees across Johannesburg.
Arboriculturist Adelaide Chokoe said, “Cities like California in the USA are yet to find a chemical application to treat the PSHB, which was first detected in the area in 2003. Similarly, JCPZ has a responsibility to tread very cautiously as not to compound the damage to the environment by hastily removing all infested trees.”
So far, the organisation is working with ward councillors in seven wards most heavily infested by the beetle. Some of the councillors in the Rosebank Killarney Gazette distribution area include Martin Williams (Ward 90), Bridget Steer (Ward 87) and Tim Truluck (Ward 117). According to the study sites, 71 per cent of the trees in these wards have been affected.
“Most of the affected trees are not displaying visible symptoms of dieback, with the likely possibility that this might be a gradual process,” said Chokoe.
So far, the organisation has removed 71 dead trees, which are being solarised at the street trees depot. Chokoe said, “At this stage, JCPZ will only remove dead trees, as some highly infested species, such as London Planes, are not displaying accelerated symptoms of dieback.”
Rosebank Killarney Gazette, however, reported about London Plane trees on the private property of Pridwin Preparatory School posing a threat to learners in Crash causes concern [Week ending 31 May].
Chokoe explained that the organisation is part of a national forum to understand the complexities of shot hole borer. This includes close work with academic institutions and the Department of Environmental Affairs and the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.
Since no chemical application has been approved to treat the infestation, they have focused their resources on managing the impact of the disease on the City’s tree canopy and ensuring that a tree replacement plan is in place for the medium and long-term.
They encourage residents to ensure that they are not mistaking trees going through the annual leaf-shedding process with dead trees infested by the beetle.
Residents should report infested street trees and dead trees to 011 375 5555 or trees@jhbcityparks.com
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