Storm risks prompt removal of Wendywood street tree
Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo says decision was taken as a last resort following complaints and an arboricultural assessment.
A mature tree that had been leaning dangerously over Freezia Road in Wendywood was removed after being declared a safety risk.
The tree at 20 Freezia Road had raised concerns among residents who said it was obstructing traffic and posing a potential hazard, particularly to taller vehicles and during severe storms.
Read more: City plans to remove Carnation Streets invasive tree roots
During a site visit on February 23, Ward 109 councillor Lori Coogan confirmed that Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) had assessed the situation and would return to address it.
“A number of the residents have been complaining about this tree that is actually infringing on the right of vehicles to travel and asking that a solution be found,” she said. “Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo was on site, and they would be coming to remedy the situation to make sure that it’s a clearer path of way for vehicles.”
She said the tree had grown at an angle across the road, creating a danger for vehicles of a certain height. With Johannesburg’s severe storms, she warned that there was a risk it could fall and cause damage or injury.
While supportive of urban greening, Coogan added that better species selection and early-stage maintenance could help prevent similar situations in future.
Also read: Extreme weather causes uptake in fallen trees in Sandton
“Personally, I am not that keen on cutting down trees. I have a philosophy that we should be planting the right species of trees on the pavements in the first place. Species that do not grow through the power lines do not have such extensive root systems that they are pushing into the pavement and walls to try and get enough moisture,” she said.
The tree was cut down on February 26 following what JCPZ described as a comprehensive inspection and internal deliberations by its horticulture and arboriculture team.
JCPZ spokesperson Jenny Moodley said the tree, which had 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,” Moodley said.
She added that the removal or heavy lopping of street trees was 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.”
Moodley urged 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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