Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) is urging residents to be cautious around storm-weakened trees, warning that unstable branches and saturated soil can increase the risk of collapses across the city.

“As weather conditions intensify, trees can become vulnerable to damage, where falling branches pose a serious risk to people, vehicles, and property,” says spokesperson Jenny Moodley.

“Residents are strongly advised not to park their vehicles underneath trees during or after heavy rainfall, as wet soil and gusty winds can cause branches – or in some cases, entire trees – to collapse unexpectedly.

“Older trees carry larger and heavier top branches, and with unstable roots, they are more likely to topple over.”

Moodley adds that City Parks and Zoo’s street-tree and parks teams are continuously monitoring tree stability, prioritising high-risk areas for maintenance and removal where necessary. However, the public’s cooperation remains crucial in preventing avoidable damage and injury.

“Trees form an essential part of the city’s urban ecosystem, providing shade, improving air quality, and supporting biodiversity. Anyone who is illegally removing or damaging trees may face fines or legal action in accordance with the City of Johannesburg’s municipal by-laws.

“If residents notice any trees that appear to be damaged, uprooted, or posing a risk, they are encouraged to report the issue immediately.”

Residents can contact Joburg Connect on 011 375 5555 or at [email protected] for a reference number.

For additional assistance, contact the JCPZ Customer Care Department on 011 712 6600/6617/6719 or [email protected].