Another tree lost in George CBD

Video

GEORGE NEWS AND VIDEO - The felling of a large eucalyptus tree in Gloucester Avenue where a pair of raptor birds were apparently nesting and feeding their chicks has some environmentally conscious residents up in arms.

The tree, which stood on property of George Municipality next to the new apartment building, The Meadows, was cut down in the last week of August.

According to municipal communications officer Debra Sauer, the removal was ordered by the Civil Engineering Department as it was located inside a road reserve and posed a risk to municipal infrastructure.

"Approval was not required for the removal of this tree as it is an alien invasive species. Civil Engineering did however liaise with our Parks and Recreation division on the matter."

Sauer said the contractor who removed the tree had confirmed that no birds and/or nests were visible prior to the tree being cut down and no nests or chicks were found after the tree fell.

But people working in a nearby building are convinced otherwise.

Maryna du Toit said they started hearing the sounds of chicks during August. "They made little noises all through the day. I have been working in this building for two or three years, and since I started here I was always aware of their sounds during breeding season."

Local raptor expert involved in the Garden Route Crowned Eagle Project, Joshua Kleyn, said although eucalyptus trees are non-indigenous, it is not always ideal to cut them. "If there were chicks in this tree, they were probably Black Sparrowhawks, because it is their breeding season now. They are adjusted to and live and hunt within the urban environment and prefer large trees.

"It has been many years that we have not had the massive indigenous trees in our midst. All the new pine and eucalyptus trees, which are fast-growing, provide a better opportunity for raptors than the smaller indigenous trees. The Black Sparrowhawk is well-known for nesting in blue gums."

Monica Vaccaro from the Landmark Foundation expressed her dismay at another large tree in the CBD being lost.

"Large trees have a myriad of roles in the ecology and whether indigenous or non-indigenous, are essential for ecosystem stability. Among others, they provide unique habitats like cavities and deadwood for various species.

"They help mitigate urban heat and enhance landscapes. They also act as windbreaks and are crucial for offsetting greenhouse gases and fighting climate change over long periods."

She said the majority of the George urban area's trees is exotic. "If we remove all the exotics, we will be left with no trees. None. It is a horror story."

Sauer said Civil Engineering Services is "committed to conserving and planting of trees".

"Non-conventional construction methods are often employed to preserve existing trees. Tree removal is only ever considered as a last resort."

VIDEO: Watch the old tree fall in the video below.