Severe storms over the past few weeks have resulted in many reports of fallen trees.
Jenny Moodley, general manager: stakeholder and public relations for Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) said the number of fallen trees continued to escalate due to the seasonal storms. “However, it is still negligible if we take into consideration the massive man-made forest that Joburgers are surrounded by,” she said.
City Parks received reports of more than 65 incidents of fallen branches or uprooted trees in the Sandton area. “This is largely relative to the stormy December to February rainy weather.”
Moodley added that their priority was to remove trees or branches that obstructed traffic or that had collapsed on fences or roofs and this was done within 24 hours.
“The team ensures that the lopped branches are safely stacked on the sidewalk, away from driveways, to deal with other emergencies that occur simultaneously during inclement weather.” In some instances, the branches are chipped and removed immediately.
The City has set a service delivery turnaround time for City Parks to clear all branches and debris from pavements within 14 days.
She added that the city’s tree canopy was ageing but more trees have been planted in Sandton recently.
Regarding the infestation of trees by the polyphagous shot-hole-borer beetle, Moodley said there was a major decline in the number of trees being reported with the infestation.
“This could possibly be due to residents opting to dispose of the trees through burning or solarisation [placing heavy plastic over the dead wood to suffocate the borer] or have acquired the services of a tree specialist.
“The infested street trees found in areas like Craighall were solarised within the confines of JCPZ’s Street Trees Depot.”
City Park’s street trees team have been keeping a watchful eye on some trees, together with a handful of service providers and residents who have reported sightings of the infestation.
“The JCPZ call centre received only one complaint in January for a tree to be investigated as it had holes and was dying. This was on private [land].”
Residents who have concerns may send an email to trees@jhbcityparks.com or call Joburg Connect on 011 375 5555 to register sightings of the shot-hole-borer.
“We, however, would like to remind our residents that there are over 78 different borers that impact on the health of a tree.”
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