GEORGE NEWS - When a powerful windstorm recently toppled George's beloved Christmas tree in Heather Park, Zalinda and Fanus Truter feared the worst. But for them, cutting down this iconic conifer that has brought festive cheer to the community for more than two decades was never an option.
Instead, they embarked on a mission to save the beloved tree that has become a Christmas landmark in George.
The Truters have been decorating the tree for Christmas for the past 22 years, having bought the property in 2002. "I didn't like the house, but I saw the tree and fell in love with it, so we bought the property," Zalinda recalled.
Over the years, the display grew, requiring a cherry picker to assist with the decorations. For the past 10 to 15 years, residents have regularly enquired whether the tree would be lit up for the festive season, and visitors stopped by annually to admire it.
The iconic Heatherpark Christmas tree lying uprooted after a recent windstorm. Photo: Supplied.
Following the storm, the Truters consulted several experts. On the advice of renowned Waboomskraal arborist Daan Loock, they decided to attempt the ambitious task of saving the tree.
On Thursday 11 June, the 32-year-old tree was successfully re-erected.
The day-long operation was supported by Wynand Barnard and Waldo Nieuwenhuys and their team from Green Projects, Daan Loock, Jonathan Grey of Arbor Oxygen, and Christo Langenhoven of Coastal Rigging, who provided a crane and crew.
The experts estimate the tree will need about 36 months of dedicated care to fully recover. It has been securely anchored and will receive regular watering, nutritional treatment, sanding and mulching. Loock will continue monitoring its progress.
Community support strengthened the family's resolve to preserve the tree. "Many people stopped to tell us how delighted they were that the tree was being saved," said Zalinda. One bystander remarked: "Sometimes we, too, are knocked over and have to start over, and then we must carry on."
Zalinda Truter with her beloved Christmas tree in Heather Park. Photos: Marguerite van Ginkel
"I am crazy about the tree, not just because it is a Christmas tree, but because I love trees and nature," said Zalinda. "I was devastated when it fell over, but I had faith and believed there was a reason for it, and fortunately, we were able to save it.
"My reward is seeing the happiness and hope it gives people when they see the lights. Even if it gives hope to just one person, that is my motivation."
