MEDIA STATEMENT
Wednesday, 11 June 2025
For Immediate Release
The City of Joburg is experiencing a surge in the illegal removal of trees
Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo(JCPZ), the entity responsible for greening, conservation, and preservation of public open spaces in Joburg is appealing to residents to refrain from the illegal removal of trees.
JCPZ has reported a high number of unauthorised tree removals in Region B and while we’re in the process of tree evaluations, perpetrators will be issued with fines. Statistics reveal that trees are being illegally removed across all regions.
The entity has been inundated with requests to remove trees during the seasonal phenomenon of falling leaves during this time of year.
However, it is with grave concern to the city that we witness an upward surge of the illegal removal of trees by residents. Due to weather conditions, leaves fall into properties, gutters, and swimming pools; residents are encouraged to cover their pools instead of removing trees.
Street trees are the property of the City of Johannesburg and are protected by the strict Open Space Bylaws which prohibits the removal or disturbance of trees or planting of any vegetation without approval, of which permission must be obtained from JCPZ. These bylaws state that ‘no person may damage any tree on any public road within the municipal area of the Council without the prior written permission from the Council. JCPZ is mandated to prune, and remove infected or dead trees.
Joburg is one of the most densely populated cities, with an influx of job seekers, a spike in student accommodation, high-rise residential areas, and infrastructural development. The abundance of indigenous trees plays a vital role in combating and reducing the effects of climate change.
With World Environment Day observed globally on 5 June, this is an opportune time for each of us to not only plant more trees but preserve the healthy ones we have. City Parks and Zoo is encouraging residents of Joburg to join millions of people globally, in creating a green and liveable city, one tree at a time.
Residents may contact Joburg Connect on 011 375 5555 or joburgconnect@joburg.org.za if street trees are damaging boundary walls, obstructing visibility for road users, or if trees are dead. Failing to comply will result in fines being imposed.
ENDS
Issued on behalf of
Thanduxolo Mendrew, Managing Director
Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo
For media enquiries, please contact:
Jenny Moodley: Spokesperson, Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo
Contact: 082 8030 748
Email: jmoodley@jhbcityparks.com
Noeleen Mattera: Media Relations, Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo
T: 011 712-6722 / 07999 46345;
E: nmattera@jhbcityparks.com;
W: www.jhbcityparks.com.
Follow us on Twitter @JoburgParksZoo or Facebook
For more information and updates, please visit the JCPZ website at www.jhbcityparksandzoo.com and follow our social media platforms: Facebook: www.facebook.com/JoburgParks; Twitter: @JoburgParksZoo; Instagram: @JoburgParksZoo
