In an effort to curb the spread of the invasive Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer (PSHB) beetle, the City of Cape Town is offering free training sessions for both formal and informal businesses involved in tree and plant material handling.
With over 350 sightings in areas like Newlands, Rondebosch and Observatory and more than 4 600 infested trees in the Helderberg area, the threat to the city’s urban forest is escalating.
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Training details:
- Athlone: 29 November, 9am to 1pm | Dulcie September Civic Centre
- Strand: 4 December, 10am to 2pm | Charles Morkel Hall
- RSVP: Email [email protected]
City officials will guide participants on identifying and managing infested trees, the safe disposal of biomass and the transportation of green waste.
Alderman Eddie Andrews, the City’s deputy mayor and Mayco member for spatial planning and environment, emphasised the importance of these sessions for businesses and residents.
‘There are many formal and informal businesses involved with gardening and landscaping. These are gardeners, nurseries, horticulturists, tree fellers, woodcutters and many more. I encourage business owners to attend one of the sessions if they can and to bring along their staff. The training is free of charge and will empower you to guide residents who need help with infestations, be it to chip the tree and solarize the biomass on-site or to safely transport the infested biomass to an appropriate site where it can be incinerated.’
Alderman Andrews said that the City is also encouraging residents to attend any of these free training sessions, especially if they have trees on their private property.
‘The knowledge is useful and will empower property owners to take care of their gardens in a safe and responsible manner,’ he said.
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Recognising PSHB infestations:
- Branch dieback: Cracks, discoloured leaves and branch break-off
- Gumming: Goo oozing from beetle holes
- Holes: Small, sesame seed-sized holes on the bark
- Staining: Brown or dark stains on the bark
Dealing with infestations:
Infested trees must be chipped on-site and cannot be removed from the property because removing the chipped wood will spread the pest to other areas. Do not buy or transport firewood from infested areas.
Reporting sightings:
- Online: capetown.gov.za/InvasiveSpecies
- Phone: 021 444 2357 between Monday and Friday, 7:30am and 4pm
- Email: [email protected]
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Picture: City of Cape Town / Facebook