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Tree teams trim their way through thousands of requests

Winter is coming, and the Recreation and Parks Department is working hard to mitigate the challenges that come with the colder months. Two key focus areas are tree maintenance, and mitigating impacts on cemeteries.

The Department works proactively to mitigate weather impacts by conducting regular tree inspections and promptly addressing maintenance requests. There are also dedicated emergency tree teams available after hours with chainsaws, trimmers, cherry pickers and other specialised equipment, ready to respond to unforeseen circumstances.Since 1 July 2023, the Department has received 14 925 tree-related service requests and complaints – 355 during the adverse weather experienced in April 2024. <figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img"> <img src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Images%202/20240508_140912.jpg" class="responsive" alt="" /> </figure> At City cemeteries, Recreation and Parks has been clearing alien vegetation and maintaining trees to avoid damage to memorials and enhancing cemetery infrastructure for operational efficiency. Efforts to mitigate high water tables include using water pumps and promoting drainage through storm water channels. 'We have experienced periods of significant rainfall in recent winters that have caused significant challenges for our cemetery operations. Most notable has been the inability to reopen family graves for second burials, or exhumations. The City understands that it is frustrating, but these issues are beyond our control, and so we ask for the public's understanding and cooperation over the coming months. <figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img"> <img src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Images%202/Image%202024-05-09%20at%2011.00.05%20%285%29.jpeg" class="responsive" alt="" /> </figure> 'In terms of the work being done to reduce the risks associated with trees, we ask residents to regularly assess trees on City land in their areas. Any concerns around dead branches, cracks and cavities should be reported, so that our teams can address it,' said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Safety and Health, Councillor Patricia Van der Ross. The public is reminded to refrain from trimming or removing City-owned trees themselves, as this contravenes relevant by-laws. Residents can submit general tree maintenance requests via the following channels: <ul><li>Online at <a href="http://www.capetown.gov.za/" target="_blank">www.capetown.gov.za</a></li><li>Telephonically on 0860 103 089</li><li>Email <a href="mailto:Contact.Us@capetown.gov.za">Contact.Us@capetown.gov.za</a> or <a href="mailto:RP.enquiries@capetown.gov.za" target="_blank">RP.enquiries@capetown.gov.za</a></li><li>Via the City of Cape Town app, available for free on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store </li></ul> <figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img"> <img src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Images%202/Image%202024-05-09%20at%2011.00.05%20%2810%29.jpeg" class="responsive" alt="" /> </figure> Any incident or situation where a tree poses an immediate risk to public safety 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

2024-05-12T22:00:00Z

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