Tree Planting and removal policy
March 30th, 2009The purpose of the policy is to provide a guideline for street tree planting, as well as a maintenance and removal plan that will act as a stewardship by promoting a healthy, sustainable tree scape for the benefit of the eThekwini Parks Department.
2. Background
On 26 March 1998 a street tree planting and removal policy was considered and resolved by the then South Central Council of eThekwini Municipality.
In 2002 the Deputy Mayor, Councillor L Naidoo, visited Houston, Texas in the United States of America and returned with a document called “Trees for Houston,” and sent the document to the Acting Director : Parks, requesting him to review the document and develop a policy document to meet the needs of the eThekwini Municipality.
3. DISCUSSION
3.1 Advocation of uniform policies to govern tree care maintenance and sustain vitality of the tree scape.
3.2 Trees are a vital resource for eThekwini residents and visitors, as they possess both environmental and socio-economic benefits. Without this unified and effective management, tree benefits will be forfeited and public health and safety compromised.
Benefits include :
Increasing property values.
Reduction of stormwater run-off and need to expand storm drainage systems.
Beautification.
Removal of airborne pollutants.
Noise reduction and visual enhancement.
Reduction of energy use for cooling buildings.
Creation of wildlife habitat.
Enhancement of a unique landscape and environment for residents & tourists
3.3 Scope of Authority :
Only land within the jurisdictional boundaries of the
3.5 No protection or regulations exist to stop severe pruning or removal of mature trees by private property owners and agencies which affect tree scape, and no means of determining the value of these trees.
3.6 Lack of clear legislation leaves trees vulnerable to a multitude of frivolous reasons to cut them down, including the following :
Accommodate construction vehicles, buses.
Unreasonable fear of falling trees.
Planned development.
More parking spaces.
Dropping of leaves and fruit.
The newest wave of threats trees are being charged with, is that they promote crime, drugs, prostitution and security. Trees have become the scapegoats for all unresolved/unsolved social problems.
removal for views
3.7 The need to encourage cooperative interaction amongst all departments when designing and engineering development needs is initiated.