Lower Houghton Rate Payers Association nurtures newly planted trees
It was discovered from Wits University data from a post-graduate research, that at least 40% of Houghton's public trees are infested with PSHB.
Lower Houghton Rate Payers Association (LHRA) continues to nurture indigenous trees planted to replace trees that have died due to polyphagous shot hole borer (PSHB).
The association’s environmental portfolio member Wendy van der Merwe said the 600 trees planted by City Parks with the help of the association were carefully selected based on their resistance to the disease, size, growth rate and suitability to the existing character and ambience of the street.
Van der Merwe added, “In addition to PSHB infestation, many of Johannesburg’s trees were nearing the end of life, 100 years old, and have been cut down by housing densification and development.
“Arborists have encouraged residents to water the newly planted trees for at least three years until they are established. It is a time-consuming process, but we will continue our efforts until all trees have been watered. The LHRA’s vision is to ensure a leafy, tree-lined suburb for future generations to enjoy.”
City Parks regional manager Jerome Ogle commended the community for caring for the newly planted trees.
“Thankfully, the programme to ensure that these newly planted trees are regularly watered over the dry months by Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo has been reinstated and will be closely monitored for compliance. A healthy environment requires a collective response and we appeal to residents to help grow the city’s canopy by planting fruit and indigenous trees in private spaces.”
A resident, Liezel Smit said she was happy to be part of the tree watering project.
“Having trees and greenery in suburbs is very important and keeping them alive and watering is equally important. 600 trees were planted due to polyphagous shot hole borer and eradication by aggressive development in the environment. Examples of the indigenous trees planted include celtis africana, dais cotinifolia, kiggelaria africana and rhus lancea.”
