Tshwane's jacaranda transplant to make way for buses

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18-09-2014
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Pretoria News
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The jacaranda trees disappearing from Lynnwood Road are not lost to Tshwane, they are being relocated to George Storrar Drive to make space for A Re Yeng bus lanes.

Residents in the area and commuters have been calling the Pretoria News, concerned that the Jacaranda City was losing its prized trees. But they need not worry.

'Jacaranda trees are one of the city's most important assets and need to be protected,' said Tshwane spokesman Lindela Mashigo.

He said Lynnwood Road had 259 trees of varying sizes and state of health, but only 250 would be relocated because some are unhealthy or dead and others very young or badly damaged. Legislation concerning exotic species makes provision for the jacarandas to be transplanted and the Heritage Authority requires that the ambiance of the area be maintained.

Jacarandas are native to South America and were first brought to the city more than 100 years ago.

The first tree was planted in Burgers Park and the a decision was made to plant them on the pavements of streets in the CBD.

Mashigo said the municipality had a programme to maintain and assess the health, safety and condition of the trees and to oversee their pruning, removal and relocation.

Relocation started this month and should be completed by the end of next month. The city is taking great care in the pruning and digging out of the trees to make sure sufficient root volumes are left for the trees to survive.

'Where limited space prevents jacarandas from being transplanted, Bolusanthus specious (tree wisteria) will be planted along certain parts of Line 2B of the A Re Yeng system.

'Tree wisterias are similar to jacarandas because they also produce light purple flowers late in spring,' said Mashigo.

There are about 70 000 jacarandas in Tshwane, as well as other evergreen and deciduous indigenous and exotic trees. 'Jacarandas create a beautiful ambiance in the city and provide environmental, social and health benefits,' said Mashigo. While there may be fewer jacarandas in blossom, with some being relocated from Paul Kruger Street in the CBD, next year they should be back in their purple glory.

Pretoria News