Problem tree needs to go, says Park Hill resident
Earlier this year, the Park Hill resident's worst nightmare came true after one of the large branches broke off and damaged her outside wall.
THE heavy winds and storm that swept across Durban damaged several hospitals, buildings and vehicles. It has also caused a sizeable split in a large Syringa tree on Leslie Avenue, which is threatening to fall at any moment. Angela Fortune, has been battling with the City’s Parks Department for the last two years to get the problem tree removed. One of the branches is precariously positioned over the road’s telephone line which could potentially leave the road without a phone line.
Earlier this year, her worst nightmare came true after one of the large branches broke off and damaged her outside wall. She fears, two of the invasive trees, which are close in proximity to her home are close to falling.
“My concern is the more branches may fall on pedestrians walking past or cars driving on the road,” she said. “The City’s Parks Department did come in and remove the problem branches after they were contacted by councillor Shaun Ryley but I would like both the trees removed. It’s an invasive species and a danger to residents in the area. It has become a nuisance tree for us.
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“For two years we’ve asked the City to take action but they have never responded until after disaster has struck. The branches aren’t strong and anytime there’s strong winds we are in danger of incurring more damage to our property. This is about the third time branches have fallen off this tree. This is unacceptable, we’ve been told by our insurance company should the tree fall they will not be covering the repairs,” she said.
An added concern Fortune contended was her verge being used as a dumping spot. When Northglen News visited her home last week we found a large pile of dead branches piled in a heap.
“Part of the heap is near the electricity line which is a fire hazard. When the City cut down some of the branches the last time they left the pile on our verge and hadn’t collected it. Sadly it encouraged someone to dump their rubbish on the verge. We just want the trees cut down, they are invasive species and are a threat not just to my family and I but to other motorists using the road,” she said.
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