Syringas to get the chop
The George Municipality will be gradually removing large syringa trees (Melia azedarach) growing along streets in George.
A resident of Aspeling Street, who does not want to be named, was upset when a municipal team cut down trees on the pavement near her home on Thursday last week.
"They were there to cut down a dead old oak tree and I became anxious when they had finished with the oak and started with the syringas on the opposite side of the road," she says.
They cut down one syringa, but the woman managed to get hold of the municipal parks department by the time they started on the next one.
When the George Herald arrived, they must have just received an order to stop as they were taking down a ladder pitched against the tree and packed up and left.
"Aspeling Street is such a lovely shady, green street. If the trees are all removed, it will be bare and the atmosphere will be changed completely. What about Meyer Street that is lined with these trees?" the resident said.
According to municipal communications chief Chantel Edwards-Klose, a number of syringas were identified in Aspeling Street that pose a threat, or future threat, to the safe passage of vehicles.
"There are three large syringas scheduled for removal due to their size and possible risk to neighbouring properties.
“This particular species is not only highly poisonous but also an invasive species and it is the intention to gradually remove the species throughout the George municipal area."
She said they will be replaced with indigenous trees.
According to a document issued by the Plant Protection Institute, the syringa is rapidly invading indigenous vegetation in some parts of the country and in some cases large sums of money have been spent to stop its dispersal. In some parts it has formed dense thickets.