Tree Pruning

The tree pruning process is embarked on when:

• The tree causes an obstruction to pedestrians, traffic, streetlights, roads, traffic signs, overhead power lines and satellite receptions
• The tree branches are hanging over the wall of a property.
• The roots cause a safety hazard to pedestrian and residents
• The roots cause damage to buildings and road

Residents are prohibited from pruning or the illegal removal of a tree planted on municipal land without prior authority from JCPZ. Property owners are responsible for pruning trees on their private properties. Protected tree species in terms of the Forest Act 1984, may not be pruned or removed without permission from the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.
 

Removal of Council Owned Trees

JCPZ does not permit the cutting down of trees. The only circumstances under which JCPZ will cut down a tree is when the tree is severely dying back, diseased beyond recovery or dead. Trees can only be removed should they pose a danger to the public or private property. JCPZ regards the following requests as invalid reasons for trees to be removed and therefore such requests may not be approved under the following conditions:

• Security hazard
• Dropping of leaves/seeds/flowers into a pool or gutters
• Blocking sunlight
• Blocking of street lights (making the property dark)
• Blocking residents’ view
• The tree is exotic/invasive
• Wants to construct an additional entrance to the resident’s property and the tree is in the way.
• The tree grows into overhead power cables, the tree blocks the reception of the residents satellites, etc.

Should the customer insist on the removal of the tree for any of the invalid reasons stated above or other reasons, it may be done but then the customer will be required to pay for (1) the value of the tree (as JCPZ is losing an asset) and (2) the labour costs for removing the tree.

Benefits of Planting Indigenous Trees

JCPZ has planted a wide selection of indigenous trees in parks, street verges and residential areas throughout the CoJ. The benefits of planting indigenous trees are the following:

• Saves water
• Attracts wildlife
• Non-invasive
• Requires less maintenance
• Gives an aesthetic appeal
• Provides readily available medicine

Indigenous trees contribute favourably to the environment and also keep an appreciation for our natural heritage alive for generations to come. JCPZ is committed to upholding and maintaining Johannesburg’s ‘green crown’ by ensuring the city remains one of the greenest cities in the world. While indigenous trees will be the most common group of trees used, every attempt will be made to use exotic, fruit and nut trees to reflect and support the growing diverse nature of the City’s community.

Before planting an exotic tree, consider the benefits that indigenous trees can provide.