City Parks Tree Clean-Up Campaign: 26 - 30 March 2007

The campaign began on Monday 26 March and will continue until Friday 30 March 2007.

The Department says through this intervention it is making a concerted effort "to clean up right across the city". This involves its own staff from the various districts and in some areas members of the surrounding communities as well.

Director of City Parks, Christa le Roux, says the campaign is part of the Department's commitment to enhancing the environment and protecting it for future generations.

The campaign includes pruning of trees, fixing tree cages, removal of dead trees, removing litter and weeds from around tree bases, securing and/or replacing tree stakes and adding mulch and bark to tree bowls, a process that helps prepare the soil for the coming winter.

Cllr Grant Haskin, Mayoral Committee Member for Sport and Amenities said: "The City of Cape Town is committed to extending the multiple environmental and social benefits associated with tree planting, care and management to all citizens in our beautiful city. Ongoing tree planting on this scale confirms our determination that Cape Town remains South Africa's most beautiful and desirable city to live and visit."

The Department says it will be planting 2 000 trees in the 2006/07 financial year. This will take place towards the end of April and May. It is also responsible for ensuring that these trees are maintained, thrive and grow, thereby contributing to a greener environment.

Many trees are damaged by vandals when they remove tree cages and the Department appealed to the public to contact the nearest Parks office when they notice that a tree is damaged or in need of special care.

Should residents wish to plant a tree on their sidewalk, they may apply for one by contacting their nearest Parks office.

The condition for approving such an application is that the resident signs a declaration that he/she will take care of the tree in the months and years to come.

Issued by:
Communication and Marketing
City of Cape Town
Tel: 021 400 2201
Fax: 021 957 0023

Media Queries:
Christa Le Roux
Director: City Parks
Tel: 021 400 4304
Cell: 084 629 3330

For information about activities in specific areas:
Yasmine Colley
Tel: 021 400 3269
Cell: 084 625 0416