Leaning tree in Wendywood cut down for public safety
A mature tree that had been leaning over Freezia Road in Wendywood was removed after Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo determined it posed a safety risk following a detailed inspection.
The tree that had been leaning dangerously over 20 Freezia Road in Wendywood was cut down on February 26 after being declared a safety risk following a detailed arboricultural assessment.
The removal follows concerns raised by residents and Ward 109 councillor Lori Coogan, who said the tree posed a potential hazard to motorists, particularly during severe storms. Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) spokesperson Jenny Moodley said the removal of the tree follows a comprehensive site inspection and extensive deliberations by the entity’s horticulture and arboriculture team.
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“The tree, a magnificent specimen that has formed part of the streetscape for decades, was assessed in line with professional arboricultural standards. After thorough evaluation and consideration of all possible remedial interventions, the decision to remove the tree was taken as a last resort in the interest of public safety and infrastructure protection,” she said.
Moodley added that the removal or heavy lopping of street trees is never undertaken lightly.
“Each case is subjected to a detailed technical assessment to determine structural integrity, health status, root impact, and potential risk to life and property. Removal is considered only when a tree has reached the end of its life expectancy, is structurally compromised, diseased beyond recovery, or poses a significant safety hazard.”
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She added that many of Johannesburg’s street trees were planted more than a century ago by our forbearers.
“While these trees have shaped the identity of our urban forest, often comprising exotic species, some are now reaching the end of their natural life cycle. As custodians of one of the largest human-made urban forests in the world, we face the dual responsibility of managing ageing trees while proactively growing a resilient and sustainable canopy for future generations.”
JCPZ urges residents to protect and preserve the city’s ageing tree canopy and to regard removal or excessive pruning as measures of last resort.
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