JCPZ urges residents to preserve our street trees
With eight confirmed cases of illegal tree removals this year, JCPZ is urging residents to report suspicious activity.
Since the beginning of 2025, Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) has recorded eight confirmed cases of unauthorised tree removals in Region B, with an additional ten cases set to be brought before the courts.
This figure does not include incidents of illegal tree pruning, which are documented and investigated separately. JCPZ continues to monitor and investigate reports of tree tampering and urges residents to report any suspicious activity involving street or park trees.
Read more: Community concerns Prompt JCPZ to tackle dangerous trees
JCPZ spokesperson Jenny Moodley emphasised the importance of protecting the city’s urban forest. “Illegal or unauthorised tree removal refers to any instance where a tree is cut down, damaged, or removed from public property – particularly sidewalks, parks, or servitudes – without formal authorisation from JCPZ. All pavement and public trees fall under the custodianship of the City of Johannesburg and may not be tampered with by private individuals, service providers, or contractors without a permit or instruction from JCPZ.”
As Johannesburg faces adverse weather conditions, residents are encouraged to take proactive and legal steps regarding trees on public property. JCPZ advises residents to report fallen, leaning, or storm-damaged trees to the JCPZ call centre. “They should also request tree pruning or root pruning when overgrowth affects safety, infrastructure, or access. Formal requests for tree removal should only be logged when trees pose a verified threat to public safety or infrastructure.”
Moodley cautioned against DIY interventions, stating: “Pruning or removal done without authorisation is subject to fines and legal action.” JCPZ has adopted a zero-tolerance approach to illegal removals, with fines ranging from R1 420 for minor damage to R327 680 for the unauthorised removal of a fully grown tree.
For all tree-related services, residents can contact the JCPZ call centre at 011 712 6600.
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