Numerous large trees saved for future generations

The Matthews family salvaged numerous large trees, palms and shrubs from their private residence by relocating them to Woodlands International College and its pre-primary school for sentimental and environmental reasons.

The family held a desire to save the trees after selling their property, situated in Beyers Park, and contacted a small family project management and plant broker business in South Africa to assist.

“Following a site walkabout, it was decided that a total of 76 various sizes of trees, palms and shrubs could be removed. There are 17 different types of trees that are made up of indigenous, exotic, evergreen and deciduous species and two species of palm trees,” said Audrey Matthews of the college.

Trees identified for relocation included jacaranda, oak, celtis, liquid ambers, maple and pecan nut trees that varied in heights from eight to 14 metres. The palm trees included the Washingtonia and syagrus palms of similar height.

“The smaller trees and shrubs were made up of flowering plum, flowing peach and pride of India species,” said Matthews in a statement.
Part of the relocation process was to create a suitable size root ball at the base of the trees, prune off dead wood and prune the trees’ profile where it can be safely transported on a crane truck with a 14m-long trailer.

During the preparation work for the tree removal, the trees will be sanitised with a fungicide and insecticide which will help protect them from diseases and insects during their rehabilitation.

After transplanting in a suitable size hole, the larger trees and palms will be mechanically braced for a minimum period of six months. The bracing will limit tree movement in high wind and rain and by doing so will encourage new root growth.

She said all transplanted trees and palms will require ongoing maintenance until they are fully self-sustainable, which can take between three to five growing seasons.

“The company will continue to manage the Plant Health Care Programme that allows us and the maintenance staff to monitor and maintain the trees in terms of their individual needs.

“Some palm trees relocated to the senior college have provided an avenue of palms along the main walkway, which has added ambiance to the landscape. The remaining palm trees were relocated to the junior college along the wetland boundary fence. This has also added ambiance to the playing field without distracting from the wetland itself,” she added.

Those that were relocated to the pre-primary school will help to create a greenbelt forest that will provide shade over the children’s playground.

“This tree relocation project has extended the lifespan of the mature trees by hundreds of years. They will play a major role in our ecosystem by reducing the carbon footprint, help remove pollution and toxin introduced in the soil as well as the sustainable production of oxygen.

“Their new homes will be appreciated by many for generations of Woodlands learners,” she concluded.

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