The Parkhurst Residents and Business Owners Association has warned residents that if they cut down trees outside the property they may face a hefty fine.
The association said on Twitter that a resident had received a R50 000 fine after they had hired a tree feller to chop down a tree outside of their property.
Jenny Moodley, the spokesperson for Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo said that the illegal felling of the tree in Parkhurst is currently being investigated but she added that the actual fine is yet to be confirmed and will be subject to the resident being found negligent.
The City’s by-laws state, “No person may climb upon, or break or damage or in any way mark or paint on any tree on any public road within the municipal area of the council, and no person may, without the prior written permission of the council, lop, top, trim, cut down or remove any such tree unless the person is authorised to do so in terms of these by-laws or any other law.”
Moodley added that City Parks and Zoo has warned residents that the illegal felling of trees is viewed in a serious light and the Johannesburg Metro Police Department has a renewed stance to issue a fine of R2 000 to any person contravening the by-law.
“The offender will also be responsible for the payment of the replacement value of the tree based on the age, size, species, location and the heritage value of the tree. This can vary with estimated values between R20 000 and R50 000 for an average-sized, indigenous tree in the City of Joburg.”
If residents would like to request that a tree is removed they can log a formal complaint with Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo on 011 375 5555 or send an email to trees@jhbcityparks.com. However, the City will generally only remove a tree if it is dead or dying.
Moodley also added that residents are urged to report transgressions to the Metro police on 011 375 5911 and to copy to trees@jhbcityparks.com and/ or
Please note that you MAY NOT chop down street trees. These trees are the property of @JoburgParksZoo
A Parkhurst resident who today hired a tree feller to chop down a tree has been issued with a R50,000 fine. Please contact City Parks on 011.375-5555 if trees need trimming. pic.twitter.com/85WkKYerfG— Parkhurst Village (@Parkhurst_JHB) January 31, 2018
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