Half-century old tree a hazard, says resident
A Grosvenor Road resident said he feels a Rubber tree growing in the road is a hazard to motorists.
AN invasive rubber tree growing on Grosvenor Road has become a concern for local Glenmore resident, Leonard Girodo.
According to Girodo, the tree roots have extended across the road so that less than half the width of a single lane is safely usable. “Rubber trees are invasive plants and must be removed. We as residents get fined if we have these trees on our property. I noticed the tree branches were pruned in March, but surely the tree should be removed and not just pruned? There are other trees in the same road that have been cut down,” he said.
Girodo said tree stumps which have been left lying next to the problem tree as well as wash-aways caused by recent rains, have also increased the danger for passing cars as sections of the embankment have been eroded.
“I have reported this to the Parks Department many times since March, and I cannot understand why we have to wait six to eight weeks before this matter is resolved. Do we have to wait for an accident or someone to be injured or worse, die, before this tree is removed? It is an invasive alien plant and should have been dealt with years ago. Trimming only makes it grow more vigorously,” he said.
In response, Grahame Steele from Parks said he had inspected the tree and had advised some pruning be undertaken. I will look at further pruning but do not support the removal of this tree as it is classified a champion tree of over 50 years old.”
