‘Chainsaws on every corner’: Ex-Parks manager warns of illegal tree felling in city

THE ILLEGAL cutting and removal of protected street trees in Kimberley has sparked growing concern, with calls for urgent intervention to safeguard the city’s urban forest.

Former Sol Plaatje Municipality Parks manager Massimo Mazzoncini, who retired in August 2024, emphasised the importance of protecting trees that form part of the city’s green infrastructure.

“Street tree by-laws regulate various aspects of trees located in public areas by controlling the planting, pruning and removal of trees. Permission from the municipality is required for any action involving street trees. Trees planted on pavements are the property and asset of the municipality,” explained Mazzoncini.

He further highlighted that many of the trees being cut down fall under the National Forests Act (Act No. 84 of 1998). “The trees that were cut down are protected and listed under the National Forests Act and may not be cut, damaged or moved without a licence. Penalties for violating protected tree laws can be severe,” he warned.

The municipality’s Parks section has clear procedures in place for the management of street trees. According to Mazzoncini, a formal written application is required for the removal or pollarding of street trees, while pruning requests can be made telephonically.

“The section has a street tree team that deals with all requests, and work may not be done by a private contractor unless the contractor was appointed to execute the work by Sol Plaatje Municipality,” he explained.

Once a request is received, a horticulturist investigates, identifies the species, and determines the appropriate action. However, Mazzoncini said these regulations are being bypassed at an “alarming rate”.

“Trees are being removed illegally at an alarming rate throughout the city and require urgent intervention. On every street corner, there is a man with a chainsaw, ready to cut any tree on request, and that is dangerous to our environment,” he cautioned.

While some may argue that trees will regrow, Mazzoncini explained the long-term damage caused by improper cutting.

“Yes, the trees that were cut at Oranje Toyota will shoot again, but the manner in which they were cut will exacerbate the problem. It stresses the trees, creates sight-line obstructions, and ruins the tree’s natural structure. This leads to the growth of weak, flimsy water spouts that are prone to breaking and look unsightly for years,” he said.

The recent severe cutting back of Kimberley’s protected olive trees near Oranje Toyota sparked public outrage during Arbour Week, with residents questioning whether proper permissions were obtained. 

The dealership insisted the drastic trimming was done at the municipality’s request to address safety, visibility, flooding and security risks, and has pledged to take responsibility if the trees fail to recover.

Mazzoncini stressed the importance of protecting the city’s natural assets: “This is an entrance route, and we should be defending and expanding the urban forest and the image of the city, not destroying it.”