Trees cut down for advertising
TWO trees have been hacked down for advertising space.
The billboard at the corner of William Nicol Drive and Stirling Road in Hurlingham has angered resident Ron van der Bos. He sent photos of two trees that appear to have been cut down to give exposure to the billboard.
“This is a shameful act,” said Van der Bos. “(The advertiser) should be embarrassed that they allow such an action to take place. The advertising company may say that they plant a tree in substitution, but I want those trees.”
Jenny Moodley, spokesperson of City Parks said, “It is very disillusioning when trees are felled to make advertising more visible. This mindless action is a reflection of how the city’s trees and public open spaces are regularly under threat by a handful of people who have no understanding or respect for the vital role trees and open spaces play in combating pollution, and creating a livable city that we are all proud off.”
Moodley said park rangers were deployed to investigate the transgression. “We are currently verifying the details of the advertiser who commissioned the site wrap. On receipt of these details, we will issue a fine for damaging public property, felling of the trees and an additional invoice for the replacement value of the trees, which will range in excess of over R30 000 per tree,” added Moodley.
Ward 90 councillor Gordon Mackay has requested clarification from the city council’s outdoor advertising department. He said, “The department is staffed with only two members so response times can vary. Should permission have been granted for the erection of the billboard, council would have to have provided an order for the removal of the trees. Trees on council property require express permission from council to be removed.”
Details: trees@jhbcityparks.com or SMS 082-906-1515.
