GEORGE NEWS - An information session regarding the PSHB beetle (Polyphagous shothole borer) will be held at Glenwood Lodge, 7 Glenwood Avenue, at 18:00 tonight, 7 February.

It is a relatively new pest to South Africa, but already it has sown a path of destruction in Sandton, Gauteng and parts of the Garden Route, including George. It has been confirmed that the insect and its fungus partner have arrived in George.

Different species of trees, including keurboom, planes, oaks and maples, are dying across town.

Public spaces and private gardens such as the Garden Route Botanical Garden, Van Riebeeck Park in Heatherlands, Camphersdrift and Loerie Park, have been affected.

Jodi Schoeman of Glenwood Lodge said anyone who would like to find out more about the beetle and how to treat it, is welcome. There will be specialists in the field who will explain how to prevent, manage and treat the problem. Speakers will include George Kuyler of Invasive Plant Solutions, Radie Loubser of the municipality and Juan Moss of a landscape and irrigation company. Members of the public who want to share how they have successfully managed the problem in their gardens or who wish to share their experience, will have an opportunity to do so.

Kuyler will walk through the garden and show everyone what to look for, and discuss various methods of treatment at different costs. Those wishing to attend need to RSVP to admin@glenwoodlodge.co.za as seating is limited.

Glenwood Lodge looks forward to hosting this event and moving forward to saving our beautiful green belt.

For more information, please call Schoeman on 083 632 2201.