Dead trees pose a fire hazard

GRAAFF=REINET NEWS - Trees add a unique touch of beauty to any landscape, enhancing the environment with natural colours and life. But like all living organisms, trees will eventually die.

This typically doesn't happen overnight, as some species are capable of living for more than a century. But external elements like pests, disease, decay - and in Graaff-Reinet's case severe drought - can drastically shorten a tree's lifespan, giving it a premature death.

And Graaff-Reinet has an abundance of dead trees. Trees could be dangerous or even fatal as they pose a serious risk to people, animals and pets. House, car, and lawn damage - on your property or a neighbour's property - can occur as a direct result of not removing a dead tree.

In most situations, a dead tree will become dry, brittle and unstable due to the lack of moisture and nutrients. Besides that, dead trees are unattractive and not aesthetically pleasing at all.

For two years Graaff-Reinet residents have been asking the Dr Beyers Naude Local Municipality (DBNLM) to remove the dead trees in the town without any noticeable success, says Liz Buisman, a member of the Graaff-Reinet Residents and Ratepayers Association committee and also a member of the Heritage Society.

"The cypress trees are Graaff-Reinet's iconic trees but they are old and coupled with the drought many have died. In two blocks along Caledon Street, there are 24 dead cypresses apart from the many other dead trees."

Buisman says these dead trees are highly flammable and in the past have burnt and endangered lives as well as threatened properties. "The danger is much greater now because there are so many dead trees adjoining one another. If a fire starts in one, it will spread to others and especially if it is windy, might spread to adjacent properties near them - of which there are many."

With the recent storm, many of these dead trees were twisted off their roots or pulled out of the ground. Their roots are not growing and so not securing them in the ground. Because these trees are on the sidewalks it is the municipality's responsibility to remove them. Private individuals are not permitted to cut down trees on municipal verges.

An elderly resident asked the DBNLM repeatedly last year to remove the dead tree outside her house. Finally three men came and agreed that the tree should be removed but they never returned. In the storm the tree was uprooted, landed on her roof and damaged her fence.

The dead trees could be cut off at ground level and new trees planted between the stumps. Admittedly it is a huge job and the DBNLM workers have had a lot to do to clear the storm damage recently. The recent storm clearing has shown that DBNLM can do this job.

With winter here, many people need the wood so depositing the dead trees near where the main users live, would improve their lives in this financial squeeze.

Dead trees, of which there are many in Graaff-Reinet, pose a serious threat to people, animals and property. Besides, dead trees are unattractive and not aesthetically pleasing at all.

Many residents have offered to donate new trees to replace those removed and to look after the new trees. The trees in Graaff-Reinet are a vital part of the town's heritage. One such person, who wishes to remain anonymous, has planted several trees in pots that he wants to give away. Anyone interested can phone him on 082 345 4964 and leave a message.

Buisman says the Graaff-Reinet Heritage Society has asked DBNLM Community Services Department to co-operate in this important matter.

"Any residents who know about pruning trees and/or would like to be on a Tree Committee, please contact Koos Grobbelaar, Heritage Society secretary at jpgrob@gmail.com."

We've approached the DBNLM for comment and gave our mobile number to Mr Melvis Pietersen, Manager: Community Services, who promised he'll phone back. At the time of going to print we haven't heard from him.

Dead trees, of which there are many in Graaff-Reinet, pose a serious threat to people, animals and property. Besides, dead trees are unattractive and not aesthetically pleasing at all. Photos: Hugo Redelinghuys