Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo to cut down leaning tree in Wendywood

Wendywood residents can expect action this coming week following numerous safety concerns raised about a large tree leaning onto the roadway on Freezia Road.

During a site visit on February 23 with the publication, Ward 109 councillor Lori Coogan addressed the issue at 20 Freezia Road, where the tree has been obstructing the path of vehicles and posing a potential danger to motorists.

Read more: Ward 109 councillor urges more community involvement ahead of 2026 local government elections

Coogan confirmed that Johannesburg City Park and Zoo (JCPZ) had already assessed the situation and would return next week to remove the tree.

“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 this morning, and they will be coming back next week to remedy the situation to make sure that it’s a clearer path of way for vehicles…”

Coogan explained that the tree had been allowed to grow at an angle across the road, creating a hazard for taller vehicles and increasing the risk of damage during severe weather conditions.

“The tree has been allowed to grow in a manner that interferes with traffic. So, ideally, at an earlier stage, if it had been held up or restrained and then pushed to grow more upright, it would probably be acceptable. But right now it’s actually growing across the road in a manner that is a danger to vehicles of a certain height.”

While supportive of urban greening initiatives, Coogan emphasised that appropriate planning and species selection are essential.

“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.

Also read; Pristine streets for guests, chaos for Ward 109 residents

She added that with better early-stage maintenance, such as guiding young trees to grow upright, the current situation might have been avoided.

Coogan also highlighted the added danger posed by Johannesburg’s seasonal storms.

@caxtonjoburgnorth Watch: Following complaints from residents and motorists, Ward 109 councillor Lori Coogan confirms during a site visit with the Sandton Chronicle on February 23, that Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo will remove a tree leaning on Freezia Road in Wendywood to ensure public safety and improve long-term urban planning. Video: Xoliswa Zakwe #Sandton #Ward109 ♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North

“We do sometimes have quite severe storms in this area [Johannesburg] with very high winds. We’ve got a tree that’s already leaning heavily into the road. Should there be a major storm, there’s the possibility that it could actually fall into the road, obstructing traffic and possibly damaging vehicles and harming people.”

Looking ahead, she called for more sustainable urban forestry practices, including consideration of tree form, mature size, access to moisture, and permeable paving solutions to reduce ongoing maintenance challenges.

“Going forward, with trees, any trees that we need to replant, we need to look at how big they’re going to get, whether it’s suitable where they’re planted, and whether they will get enough moisture. Reason being that the whole matter becomes a lot more sustainable, and no one has to chop and trim and constantly prune unsuitable trees for a particular space.

“So we look forward to Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo being here next week, and we will keep you updated.”

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