Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) has identified Beaulieu and Kyalami AH in February as areas in need of horticultural maintenance by cutting back some trees.
This is to reduce the spread of diseases and to remove dead wood in an exercise that encourages tree health.
“This enhances safety too by eliminating weak and decaying branches and limbs that could pose a risk to people and animals,” says JCPZ manager Joseph Ndou.
Ndou says the programme will not affect the movements of vehicles when trees along roads are being tended to, but safety is a concern. “As a precaution, road cones and signage will be used to demarcate an area where the teams are working. Please be on the lookout and be careful if you see us.”
He says apart from carrying out this necessary maintenance it also forms part of a visibility campaign to highlight the acceleration of service delivery in the area.
Ndou said at the beginning of each financial year, City Parks prepares a ward-based proactive tree maintenance programme. “The senior arboriculturist along with the assistance of the regional manager identify trees that horticulturally require maintenance.”
JCPZ say that residents are prohibited from pruning or the illegal removal of a tree planted on municipal land without prior permission.
It is also illegal to cut down public trees. The only circumstances under which JCPZ will cut down a tree is when the tree is severely dying back, diseased beyond recovery or dead. Public trees can only be removed should they pose a danger to the public or private property.
Ward 94 councillor David Foley says he is very happy with how JCPZ is assisting, “The dedication and response to citizens who need assistance is amazing, they are a great team to work with.”
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