The Lower Houghton Ratepayers Association (LHRA) held their annual general meeting (AGM) on 16 October. The highlight of the AGM held at The Old Edwardian Society in Houghton was the focus on the shot-hole-borer strategy and tree survey launch.
LHRA chairperson Natalie Webb set the meeting in motion as she welcomed all the guest speakers in attendance. Strategy consultant Glenda Wheeler gave an illustration of borer infested trees with the highest being 80 per cent along Houghton Road. She also said they would soon be launching new labels which say ‘Let’s save our trees’ on the polyphagous shot-hole-borer (PSHB) marked trees.
“We’re looking to have a steering committee of academics, government and civil society to work on fundraising towards dealing with the beetle,” Wheeler said.
Professor of Entomology at Wits University, Marcus Byrne said their department specialised on the concept of collecting data. “Satellite information can assist with looking at the extent of the problem by mapping the trees and monitor historical progress around the trees. Tree surveys are a very valuable part of what we are doing and this is where residents come in.”
He added that they gave out standard data sheets for residents to fill in regarding the trees and funding was needed for compilation of that information.
Manager of Joburg City Parks and Zoo Urban Forestry and Nurseries, Thabang Mokone referred to a tree survey they did on Buckingham Avenue in Craighall Park, where they found that 71 per cent of the trees were infested. “Surveys are necessary because they help us gather accurate information for analysis and we need to work with the community for a joint goal in this.”
Association environmental head Wendy van der Merwe described a proposed survey and said the surveys would be conducted under the supervision of arborists. She said the surveys aimed to achieve three main objectives which are to implement tree care; plant new trees and call for volunteers to assist with survey.
Wheeler shared some tips on what else residents can do to help:
- Don’t move wood
- Raise awareness
- Improve tree soil and health
- Attend sessions to get information
- Lobby government (local and national)
- Lobby developers not to fell trees
- Support research and service providers
- Plant many trees, immediately
- Provide sponsorship.
Details: Lower Houghton Ratepayers Association admin@lhra.joburg
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