GEORGE NEWS - Yellowwood trees that are withering in some areas of the George CBD are great cause for concern, according to a local environmentally conscious resident.
He noticed that most of these trees have paving reaching almost right up to their trunks, which causes stress to the trees.
"In contrast, trees in the neighbourhoods where their roots are not covered by paving, are healthy, lush and green," he says.
According to Melissa Dalton, manager of the Precious Tree Project whose aim is afforestation of more areas of the Garden Route, the problem with paving right up to the trunk of a tree is that it prevents leakage of water to the root ball of the tree, so its absorption capacity is reduced and the tree cannot thrive.
Nosidima Vumindaba, manager of Parks and Recreation at the George Municipality, says several factors cause tree stress.
"At this point the municipality cannot prove that the trees are affected because of paving, however, the municipality's Parks and Recreation is constantly monitoring all trees that show signs of dieback and will intervene where possible."
He says factors that cause stress in trees include biological, mechanical and human factors, as well as exposure to chemicals.
"In this case, there are plenty of other trees on York Street and other streets in town that are compacted and have paving around them, that are healthy, lush, and green. Meade Street in George South has an avenue of oak trees growing in the same environment and conditions; however, the trees are different in resilience."
Lionel Daniels, deputy director of Street and Storm Water, says that normally at the start of their projects, they assess to check if any listed environmental activities are triggered in terms of the National Environmental Management Act.
"In this stage, Civil Engineering Services appoints an environmental specialist to help ensure that the municipality conforms to environmental guidelines. This is being done in collaboration with the municipal parks unit to ensure that municipal standards posed by them are also being adhered to."
Some yellowoods in the CBD are withering away. The municipality says it is constantly monitoring all trees that show signs of dieback and will intervene where possible. Photo: Alida de Beer
A yellowwood in Victoria Street with enough soil around its trunk.
In Smith Street in a residential area, the yellowwoods are thriving. Photo: Alida de Beer
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