Tree roots posing danger to drivers in Gallo Manor to be removed
Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo says root pruning on Carnation Street is set for next week, with Johannesburg Roads Agency expected to do the repairs to the damaged surface.
The Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) has acknowledged concerns raised by Ward 109 councillor Lori Coogan about the hazardous section of Carnation Street in Gallo Manor, where invasive tree roots have lifted the asphalt and created a raised hazard.
Responding to Sandton Chronicle media enquiries on February 24, JCPZ spokesperson Jenny Moodley said preliminary assessment confirms that tree roots have extended beneath the road surface, resulting in upliftment of the asphalt and subsequent damage caused by vehicular impact.
Read more: Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo to cut down leaning tree in Wendywood
“Public safety remains a priority, and JCPZ is working collaboratively with the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) to address the matter in a coordinated manner, given that it involves both arboricultural and road infrastructure components.”
Moodley said root pruning has been scheduled for March 3 and will be conducted jointly with JRA to ensure that both the tree management and road surface repair processes are properly aligned.
“Following the root pruning process, JRA will proceed with the necessary road surface repairs to restore structural integrity and eliminate the hazard.”
She added that it is important to emphasise that requests for tree removals are only undertaken as a last resort, following a comprehensive technical assessment by qualified JCPZ officials.
“Trees are removed only where they are structurally unsafe, dead, diseased beyond recovery, or where no other mitigation measures are feasible. The city remains committed to preserving Johannesburg’s urban forest while ensuring public safety.”
To prevent similar incidents, Moodley said JCPZ adheres strictly to professional arboriculture standards when managing trees located within road reserves.
Also read: Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo to cut down leaning tree in Wendywood
Long-term prevention strategies include:
- Inspections of street trees in high-traffic areas to identify early signs of root surface disruption.
- Interdepartmental coordination with JRA in the protection of street trees and the securing of wayleaves before commencing with planting programmes.
- Applying appropriate root pruning techniques to ensure tree stability is not compromised.
- Species and site suitability assessments for all tree planting to reduce the risk of aggressive root systems impacting roadways.
“Residents are encouraged to log all requests for park and tree maintenance through the Joburg Connect Customer Care Centre on 011 375 5555 (press 0 immediately) to ensure that matters are formally captured, tracked and allocated for inspection,” she said.
Moodley added that the matter of a tree leaning on Freezia Street is scheduled for intervention tomorrow as part of ongoing efforts to address similar root-related infrastructure impacts in the area.
“The city remains committed to balancing urban forest preservation with infrastructure protection and public safety. We call on residents to plant, protect and preserve trees for their environmental and social benefits.”
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