Residents around Craighall Park recently noticed shot-hole borer posters pasted on some the dead trees.
The identity of the protester is currently unknown, however, according to Andrea Rosen of the Johannesburg Urban Forest Alliance (Jufa) the protest action does highlight the seriousness of the infestation.
Jufa has been aware of the problem since last year and has been involved with arborists and other professional organisations to try and save the city from losing thousands of trees.
Regarding the dead trees in the suburbs that span across the city, Rosen said they pose a threat to public safety and the possibility of spreading the infection.
“Once our summer storms begin there is a high risk of these trees or parts thereof falling on people or property. In addition, these trees are still highly infested and the beetles will spread to other trees come spring.”
She said that to date, the City has no strategy in place to deal with this crisis according to a statement released by the City in April.
Jufa is formally requesting that the polyphagous shot hole borer is declared a National Invasive Pest under the terms of Act 36. (Agricultural Pest Act 36 of 1983).
“We believe the polyphagous shot hole borer poses a significant national environmental threat and our request includes that a National and Regional policy is formulated to address this threat.”
Rosen said that both the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) and the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) collaborate and publish protocols for the treatment of public and private trees, and for the transportation and disposal of infested wood.
“Further, where chemical trials have proved promising, chemical companies are encouraged to utilise emergency registration procedures to ensure an effective treatment is made available for public use as swiftly as possible,” Rosen ended.
Have you seen the posters warning about the shothole borer infestation? Share your stories with us on the Sandton Chronicle Facebook page or email our editor on ashtynm@caxton.co.za
Also check out:
https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/205950/enviro-monday-trees-talk-via-wood-wide-web/
