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GEORGE NEWS - The residents of the neighbourhoods surrounding Bishopslea Village in George were distressed this morning, 13 January, when the sound of chainsaws signalled the removal of a large old cypress tree in the area.

The tree had stood at the entrance to the complex for many years, providing some shade for the security hut and serving as a familiar landmark to residents and passers-by. 

Its removal prompted the nearby residents to question the reasons for this decision and whether the correct approval processes had been followed.

George Herald approached Bishopslea Village for comment. Marie Leask, a committee member, said the committee did not want to remove the tree, but felt compelled to act owing to increasing safety concerns.

The old cypress before it was cut down this morning, Photo: Supplied

She explained that the tree had become a high-risk liability and that the village could be held responsible should it fall or catch fire.

Leask said the decision followed consultation with Etienne Cilliers, owner of The Branch Manager, a company that has been pruning trees for the complex for several years. The matter was also tabled for discussion with the residents, she said.

Cilliers confirmed that the tree had posed a significant risk due to its size, large canopy and shallow root structure. He said George has experienced wind speeds of up to 120km/h, and large cypress trees are often among the first to fall under such conditions.

Video: Workers from The Branch Manager cutting the tree down after receiving instruction from the Bishoplea Village committee to have the tree removed.

He said the cypress had been overshadowing a yellowwood tree and, while it posed a slight fire risk, the primary concern was the possibility of it being blown over. Once removed, the yellowwood would have the opportunity to open up and grow.

Cilliers said the committee had first consulted with him about the tree about a year and a half ago, and that the decision to remove it was not taken lightly.

He also confirmed that the cypress tree is not indigenous, nor a protected species.

Some nearby residents said they had no choice but to accept the decision, although emotions ran high. One resident said he was particularly heartbroken, as the tree had been a roosting site for local guinea fowl.

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