DIY tree-trimmers must cut it out
Westville resident instructed gardeners to cut back the two trees on her verge to open up a view.
TWO indigenous wild fig trees, along Jan Smuts Avenue in Westville, were cut down to bare trunks last week.
Avid conservationist, Jean Senogles, contacted the Highway Mail and the Department of Parks and Recreation as soon as she saw the men cutting down branches off the two trees.
“It is absolutely disgraceful. They are such beautiful indigenous trees that have been completely butchered. I blame it on complete negligence,” said Senogles.
According to Mogie Naidoo, the resident who tasked her two gardeners with cutting the trees back, said she only wanted the trees to be trimmed to create a better view from her home.
“I have been a resident in the area for 20 years and am currently looking after one side of the verge and the left hand side has never been looked after. Once the branches are cut we will neaten it up. It will definitely grow back. It was never my intention to chop the entire tree down,” said Naidoo.
Naidoo noted that she did not know she had to contact the Department of Parks and Recreation when a tree needed to be cut back or trimmed.
A few moments after the Highway Mail arrived at the property, a Parks supervisor arrived and stopped the two men from cutting down more branches. He then ordered them to clear the debris from the road as it could cause an accident.
Any residents that would like to remove or cut back trees on municipal property are urged to contact the Department of Parks and Recreation on 031 311 6710.
