GEORGE NEWS - Due to a blocked drain an ancient yellowwood tree in Wilderness - between 100 and 300 years old - has been given the chop.
The axing of the tree, which stood on a property in Freesia Avenue at an apartment block, started on Monday.
Jacques Muskat, the contractor, had to rent a crane on Tuesday to remove the bigger branches. "This is a three-day job," he said to the George Herald during a visit to the premises.
The licence issued by the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (Daff), states that the tree caused damage to the sewerage system, "causing the drain to overflow and resulting in a detestable smell".
In the licence it is stated that the removal "does not comply with Daff's rules, but due to the sewerage blockage it causes a health threat".
A milkwood tree behind the yellowwood will also be removed since it is "leaning dangerously towards the house".
On Tuesday a crane was used to remove the tree's bigger branches. Photo: Riana Scheepers
During the cutting of the trees many residents aired their grievances on site. One such person is famous South African writer, Riana Scheepers. "I cannot believe that plastic sewerage pipes get preference over our national tree, possibly as old as our country itself."
Another resident who lives close by, also expressed his dismay. "This is the entrance to the Wilderness National Park and the beginning of the Kingfisher Trial," he said. "Many tourists visit this area."
He believes that the tree, which has a diameter of about 90cm, is at least 280 years old.
"I will not touch a tree like this without the necessary permits," said Muskat. "If Daff thought the tree holds no threat to safety, they would not have issued the permit."
Muskat believes the tree can fall at any minute since its roots, to the side of the drain, were chopped some time ago. "It is not balanced, and can cause fatal injuries," he said.
The house is currently rented out by Wilderness Properties, acting on behalf of the owners. The owners reside in Cape Town.
A resident of George, who visited the premises as a friend of Muskat's, said he is stunned by the amount of sympathy trees receive, when compared to the sympathy for murder victims.
"There is such a fuss about trees, while we get little or no feedback on murder cases," said the resident, who asked to remain anonymous.
According to Muskat, the yellowwood will not go wasted. He is planning to use the wood for planks during the rebuilding of his house in Kleinkrantz, which was destroyed in a fire about two months ago.
How did this happen?
In this instance it is fairly reasonable to assume that the trees were there before the building of the apartments commenced.
The yellowwood tree is estimated to be between 100 and 300 years old, whereas the building was erected less than 20 years ago.
In reaction to questions about building regulations and protected trees, George Municipal Manager Trevor Botha answered that applicants must indicate the location of indigenous or old trees on their building plans, should the location of the trees be in the direct vicinity of the building operations.
"An application form, as provided by the municipality, must be filled in regarding trees. If applicable, inspections, recommendations and approvals will be done by the different divisions within the municipality."
A direct question on how these building plans ever got approved was left unanswered.
Neville Watkinson (left), property agent of Wilderness Properties, and Jacques Muskat, who has been contracted to chop down a yellowwood and a milkwood tree.
ARTICLE AND PHOTOS: MICHELLE PIENAAR, GEORGE HERALD JOURANLIST.
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