6 more yellowwoods fall

GEORGE NEWS - Local environmentalists and heritage protectors are concerned about the rate at which trees are being cut down in George, as reported in George Herald recently.

The latest incident of illegal tree cutting was reported by Guy Dobinson, a local tree specialist. Six yellowwood trees of about 15 to 17 years old were cut in Glenwood Avenue (along the section leading up to Groenkloof Retirement Village).

Yellowwoods are protected trees and a permit from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment (DFFE) is required for trimming or felling them.

The DFFE communications department said the matter had not been reported to the forestry regional office (in Knysna) on time.

"As soon as the department was made aware of this, it consulted George Municipality to confirm whether the trees in question are protected. They confirmed that the trees are blackwood species which are not protected by the National Forests Act as they are highly invasive and a threat to water resources," said Albi Modise, DFFE communications director.

During a site visit by George Herald together with Dobinson, the felled trees were still there. Only one of them was a blackwood tree; the other six were all yellowwoods. Dobinson has photos of the trees before they were cut, taken about three months ago.

At the time he counted over 40 yellowwood trees as well as 15 cork oak trees.

"There are more yellowwoods and lovely cork oaks along the length of the road up to the Groenkloof entrance. There are also red flowering gums, which are exotic, but are part of George's heritage," said Dobinson.

He had visited the site in response to nearby residents' concern that all these trees are in danger of being eliminated due to plans to widen the road. He also pointed out a wetland on the side of the road which should be retained.

George Municipality confirmed that the cut yellowwoods were on municipal property, but said it had not been cutting down trees in that area. "Our Parks and Recreation division has inspected the site last week and been advised that illegal wood cutting has taken place. No harvesting permit has been issued by the municipality for this site," said communications chief Chantèl Edwards.

The municipality has requested the public to keep an eye out for the persons who have started cutting trees in that area and to immediately report it to the Community Services Department on 044 802 2900.

Edwards said law enforcement will be activated if the property is municipal and no permits have been issued.

Forestry is investigating the incident.

Guy Dobinson took this photo of branches of the yellowwoods that were cut down.

Comment is being awaited from the municipality regarding the future of the trees when the widening of Glenwood Avenue happens.
A young yellowwood tree was also recently bulldozed over to make way for a new development in Pacaltsdorp. It has been reported to DFFE.
A Spanish chestnut tree of about 30 years recently made way for a wall erected around the Memorium Street graveyard. Heritage Society chairman Henry Paine said there had been no need to cut the tree. He called it a "disgrace". George Herald is awaiting comment from the municipality in this regard.
In 2019/2020 George lost 30 trees due to infestation by the polyphagous shot hole borer beetle. These were mainly oak trees (Quercus robur) and London plane trees (Platanus x acerifolia).

The young yellowwood that was bulldozed over in Pacaltsdorp.

Yellowwoods, cork oaks and red flowering gums that residents fear are in danger of being eliminated for the road widening project. Photo: Alida de Beer