Update

GEORGE NEWS - It is still unknown who illegally felled six yellowwood trees in Glenwood Avenue in November last year.

They were young trees (between 15 and 17 years old) growing on property of George Municipality. 

The municipality and Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment (DFFE) confirmed at the time that no permits had been issued for the chopping of any trees in that area (at the intersection of Glenwood Avenue and St George's Road).

A local tree expert, Guy Dobinson, discovered by chance that the trees had been cut. Heritage protectors and environmentalists fear that many of the trees along this stretch of Glenwood Avenue will be sacrificed for the future widening of the road. 

Dobinson at the time counted about 42 yellowwoods and 15 cork oaks in the area.

Senior communications officer at George Municipality, Ntobeko Mangqwengqwe, said earlier this week that nobody has come forward with information regarding the felling and the Law Enforcement Department has not been able to find out who cut the trees. 

He appealed to members of the public who may have information in this regard to contact the Community Services Department on 044 802 2900.

"Residents are reminded that permission needs to be obtained from the municipality before any work relating to the removal or trimming of trees on municipal road verges can commence. We commend owners and residents who are indeed following the process and doing their bit, especially regarding maintaining trees and vegetation on the road verges," said Mangqwengqwe.

Permission is needed for planting or removing a tree through the prescribed application forms available on the municipality's website. "Failure to follow the correct procedure of either planting or removing a tree on municipal property will result in a fine that will be issued by municipal law enforcement."

The Forestry Department has not responded to George Herald's query regarding their investigation into the illegal felling.

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