Tree emergencies logged by the dozens

03 September 2023

The Recreation and Parks Department’s tree emergency teams dealt with 76 callouts this season, compared to just 35 last year – a more than 100% increase.

The teams are set to wrap up their busiest winter season to date.

Between May to August, they responded to 76 callouts of incidents where trees fell over, damaged infrastructure or blocked roadways as a result of heavy rain, waterlogged soil and strong winds.

The teams worked around the clock to swiftly clear and minimise damage in the interest of public safety.

June resulted in the largest number of tree-related emergencies, with 46 incidents recorded in areas including Parow, Constantia, Monte Vista and Durbanville.

This was due to adverse weather conditions contributing to the risk of branches breaking and trees falling over in a number of incidents, including on the M3 on the morning of 19 June. The high rainfall and saturated ground resulted in loosened soil, causing a tree to be blown over by strong winds.

In addition, Recreation and Parks staff members conducted preventative maintenance on several other trees in the vicinity to mitigate any further risks.

'It was a challenging winter season, and we commend our teams for the sterling work in responding to tree emergencies, often in very difficult circumstances, to ensure public safety. And, while spring beckons and will likely provide some respite, the teams remain on standby to assist in case of emergencies, in addition to their day to day duties. We also want to encourage residents to keep trees on private property maintained throughout the year and to contact their local Recreation and Parks area office for assistance with trees on public property that could potentially be at risk of branches breaking, or the tree itself falling over,' said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Patricia van der Ross.

Residents can submit pruning requests via CCT Service Requests (capetown.gov.za), via telephone to 086 010 3089, or by e-mail to Contact.Us@capetown.gov.za. Alternatively, residents may email RP.enquiries@capetown.gov.za.

Tree emergencies should be reported to the City's Public Emergency Communication Centre by calling 021 480 7700 from a cellphone or 107 from a landline.

End

Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office