According to representatives from Elma Park, the polyphagous shot hole borer (PSHB) beetle problem has worsened since it was last brought to the NEWS’ attention.
When the NEWS started reporting on the Elma Park matter, there were only several trees in the suburb infected by the beetle.
Elma Park resident and member of the PSHB informal committee Alex Dellas told the NEWS there are now over 100 affected trees.
Dellas said there are approximately 92 infected trees and 49 dead trees within the road enclosure.
It is believed the dead trees were killed by the fungi, symbiont fusarium euwallaceae, which infects the tree once the beetle bores into it.
The numbers provided to the NEWS were the only number of the boxelder maples which had been affected.
“There are other trees, such as the Chinese maple and Australian flame, but most of the infected trees are boxelders.”
Ward 18 Clr Heather Hart urged the community to leave tress which they believe to be infected alone.
“Once the tree is disturbed the beetles will move to another tree, it is best to leave the trees alone to reduce the beetle-spreading,” said Hart.
Dellas said even by taking the felled tree to municipal dumps community members risk spreading the infection.
Hart encouraged community members to inform either herself or Dellas if they suspect a tree in Elma Park is infected.
By doing this, record can be kept of the infected trees so when there is a solution the right trees can be tended to.
“If we work together and unite as a community we can stop this from getting worse.”
Once a tree in Elma Park is identified as being infected, a sign is placed on it to inform the community.
Hart explained that although some experimental initiatives are being used to curb the infection, there is no permanent solution at the moment.
She said the City of the Ekurhuleni still needs to identify a dumping site which will specifically deal with the disposal of infected trees.
“During the summer months, the infection rate got worse as this is when the beetle is more active,” said Dellas.
Hart encouraged community members in other suburbs to start keeping track of any infected trees in their neighbourhoods.
To generate further awareness about this matter, a public meeting will be held at the Trinity Presbyterian Church on St David Road.
The meeting will be held on March 24 and experts will speak on the matter to the community.
Contact Hart at Heather.Hart@ekurhuleni.gov.za or Dellas at Alex.Dellas.co.za to report trees which may be infected.
