Sandton resident Greg Davies was concerned about the actions of developers and construction companies chopping the trees down. He claimed there was a collection of trees on the pavement on Fifth Street, between Alice Lane and Fredman Drive, that had disappeared from the area due to construction sites being erected.
“It took 20 years for the trees to grow like that, it is not like we can just plant more,” said Davies.
According to Davies, the trees were cut down on public property, and he wanted the people responsible to plant more trees.
Trees were also removed on an island on Rivonia Road in Illovo, between Melville Road and Eton Road, to make space for a new Bakos Brothers store.
However, co-founder of Bakos Brothers, Dennis Bakos, said the trees were cut down according to the council’s regulations.
“There was nothing done illegally; we plan to replant the trees on the island in early January after approval from the city council and City Parks,” said Bakos.
When approached about the issue, Jenny Moodley, spokesperson of City Parks, said street trees are managed through the City of Johannesburg’s street tree bylaws.
Moodley added that all businesses and residents must subscribe to this set of laws which reinforces that “no individual or entity, besides Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo, has the authority to lop, prune, maintain, fell or plant trees on public sidewalks without the written authority from the entity”.
Commemoration trees that have heritage value, are of a rare species, or are over 60 years old, are protected by various environmental acts governed by the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Conservation and policed by the Green Scorpions.
Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo reports transgressions to the unit, who have access to geographical information systems that can determine the age, height, species and location of all trees and are well-positioned to issue fines to non-complying organisations and individuals. Transgressors may be fined for illegal felling and the cost-recovery of planting trees of equivalent value.
“Trees are critical to combat environmental degradation and landowners are urged to absorb existing trees into their renovation plans as a tree has the potential to significantly increase property values,” added Moodley.
Illegal street tree felling or pruning in the City of Johannesburg should be reported to the Park Rangers.
Details: 011 472 6539.
nobody answers the phone at that number .