​Earlier this month, City of Cape Town’s horticulturalists carried out a site inspection in Kenilworth and confirmed that a gum tree that is between  75 – 100 years old had been poisoned. Several holes were drilled around the base of the tree and a herbicide injected into the holes, leaving a blue stain. It is estimated that the tree could be measuring 25m in height and is 16m in width. The poisoned gum tree is dying and will have to be removed before it becomes a danger to the surroundings.

Gum trees, from the Eucalyptus species, were planted throughout Kenilworth. The same trees were widely planted throughout the Western Cape as street and park trees. At the time, they were popular and used to provide timber and firewood. Gum trees grow fast, are drought resistant, offer shade and protection from the wind.

​​ ‘The intentional destruction of trees is worrying as it indicates the lengths some will go to, to destroy trees that play such a vital role in the eco-system and urban landscape. Apart from the aesthetic value, trees also have environmental benefits such as cooling, shade for people, providing a safe space for birds and the absorption of carbon dioxide.  Trees could also add up to 15% to property values and save on air-conditioning costs which is an economic benefit. The City views this illegal activity in a serious light and we will investigate this to hold those responsible to account,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Zahid Badroodien.

In October 2019, nine gum trees along Racecourse Road in Durbanville were targeted. Various methods of poisoning are being used such as applying a herbicide to the soil in small pools around three trees. Others were poisoned by full spray cover and infected by poison injected into drilled holes in the trees, as seen in Kenilworth. A criminal case was opened by the Recreation and Parks Department with the South African Police Service.

​​ Once poison is injected into drilled holes in the tree, the tree’s vascular systems distribute the substance throughout the body of the tree as part of its essential functions. Most herbicides kill plants by disrupting the cell division processes that repair and grow cells. Once poisoned, there is no way to cure the tree and it is in essence dead.

‘What makes early detection difficult is that people can’t easily see if a tree is poisoned. We drive past and sometimes don’t even take notice of the trees along the road. In most instances, only when the branches are dead do we notice that something could be wrong. Residents that notice any harmful activity towards trees located on City-owned land should inform the Recreation and Parks Department. We should take pride in our community parks and open spaces – these spaces are located in communities, for use by communities,’ said Councillor Badroodien.

​​The Recreation and Parks Department suspect there could be various motives for poisoning trees such as leaves and seed capsules falling on personal properties, risk of tree branches or the entire tree falling, and where trees are standing in the way of development.

‘We would like to thank members of the community who reported these incidents. We can only act swiftly if the community works with us and reports any destruction, vandalism and poisoning of trees. Protecting our natural heritage and environment is an investment that will allow future generations to enjoy the many benefits of trees in a green urban environment. Caring for and protecting trees also says a lot about respect for nature,‘ added Councillor Badroodien.

Members of the public who may have any information on the poising of trees can send an email to the City Arborist at arborist@capetown.gov.za.

Residents can also call the City’s emergency number by phoning 107 from a landline, or  021 480 7700 from a cellphone. 

 
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