{"id":300934,"date":"2026-04-21T20:09:03","date_gmt":"2026-04-21T18:09:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/peoplespost\/?p=300934"},"modified":"2026-04-21T20:09:05","modified_gmt":"2026-04-21T18:09:05","slug":"cape-town-tree-removals-ward-59-borer-infestation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/peoplespost\/cape-town-tree-removals-ward-59-borer-infestation\/","title":{"rendered":"Cape Town tree removals in Ward 59 over borer infestation risk"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Cape Town tree removals target dead oaks in Ward 59<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Cape Town tree removals have begun in Ward 59 as the City cuts dead English oak trees to reduce safety risks ahead of winter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The programme follows a rise in tree deaths linked to shot-hole borer infestation and prolonged climate stress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ward 59 councillor Mikhail Manuel said removals were prioritised after conditions worsened over the past year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Infestation and climate impact<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Teams have focused on Main Road in Rondebosch, where several trees have already been removed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Manuel said there is currently no structured treatment programme for borer infestations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“At the moment there is no structured treatment for borer infestations. The only approach is to remove the affected tree, which effectively kills it,” he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He said most affected trees are ageing English oaks, estimated to be between 60 and 70 years old.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“A combination of the 2018 drought and very hot summers weakened these trees. They were infected but still alive last summer. This summer, many of them died,” he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why English oaks are vulnerable<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

English oak trees, scientifically known as Quercus robur<\/em>, are widely planted in Cape Town\u2019s older suburbs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Originally native to Europe, they thrive in cooler climates and can live for several hundred years under ideal conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Urban forestry sources say shot-hole borer beetles attack weakened trees. Damage often goes unnoticed until it becomes severe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Heavily infested trees can become structurally unstable. This increases the risk of falling branches or collapse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Spike in tree deaths<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Manuel said the rate of tree deaths accelerated in recent months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Trees were dying every three to four days in a row. That is when it became apparent that we could not continue as normal going into winter,” he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Residents raised concerns late last year. This prompted engagement with City officials and the current removal programme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Calls for replanting<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Residents have also questioned preventative care and replacement plans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gaby Aeberli raised concerns about the lack of annual treatment. Barry van Selm called for new trees to be planted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Manuel said a mass tree planting campaign is planned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the meantime, residents can collect free trees from the City nursery. They must commit to watering them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The City has not yet confirmed how many trees are affected or when replanting will take place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

READ ALSO: Adopt a tree to expand urban forest<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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