WATCH: 85-year-old heritage tree in Parkmore chopped

An 85-year-old gum tree has been chopped down by City Parks at the Sandton Field and Study recreational park in Parkmore.

The chopping down of the tree, which was apparently dead, has left residents and members of the Friends of the Field and Study speechless.

Rose Johnson, director of Friends of the Field and Study said she was horrified to see a tree feller contractor cutting down all the dead trees. “Of course the huge iconic gum, a heritage tree, was what he went for,” she said.

Read Residents urged to report any trees interfering with power lines

“There are trees that need to come down like some of the smaller gums that are dropping bark, branches etc. There are five dead oak trees, but the two huge gums were no danger.

“There was no communication from them [City Parks] that this was their decision to cut the trees.” Johnson added that the tree was a heritage tree.

Jenny Moodley, marketing manager for City Parks said they would be eradicating invasive species.

“Sizeable trees that were dead or had fallen were removed at the Sandton Field and Study Centre by a private contractor,” said Moodley.

Watch video:

“Five trees have also been identified and will be removed as part of this process in the near future.”

She added that 100 indigenous trees have been planted to offset the impact of the loss of these magnificent trees. “These trees have been planted along the water body that is in close proximity to the Field and Study Centre.

“Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo is mindful of the impact of removing trees in the city and will only undertake tree removals if it is necessary and deemed critical.” She added that scientific research indicated that eucalyptus trees (which include gum trees) are water guzzlers and can consume more than 100l of water per day.

Read 6 weird things you didn’t know about trees–

“These trees are not suitable for riverbanks and other areas since they compete with indigenous trees and vegetation for our scarce water resources, compounded by the concern that they were posing an immediate risk to life and property.”

Patrick Watson, a landscaper with 50 years experience in dealing with trees, said the old gum tree was dead. “However, I would have left the tree standing because it looks pretty. There is no reason to cut them down, even if they are dead they can stand for many years afterwards.”

What are your thoughts on the removal of alien species by City Parks? Share your thoughts on our Facebook page.