This road is the venue for an annual Halloween celebration that is popular amongst the residents. In keeping with the horror theme, It almost became the scene of the wholesale culling of its iconic Jacaranda trees.
As a (seemingly) overenthusiastic contractor got to work reducing these marvellous plants to sawdust, the residents threw themselves into the fray (some literally), earning an uncomfortable reprieve for the trees.
Many phonecalls, a few articles, and some meetings later, a compromise was reached. Although some needed to go as they posed the risk of falling over, others would be judiciously trimmed - while the residents also had the option of supplying grown replacement trees in keeping with the original aesthetic.
Residents and Parks partner to save Ferguson Road trees
A very constructive meeting regarding the Jacaranda trees is Ferguson Road showed the benefits of proactive engagement between the City and the community.
March 22, 2017
AROUND 25 Ferguson Road residents, concerned about the future of the Jacaranda trees in Ferguson Road, attended a constructive meeting to discuss the proposed culling of the trees in the road.
According to Illa Thompson, this meeting highlighted the benefits of proactive engagement between the City and the community.
The residents were addressed by Garth Kloppenborg about the status of the Jacaranda trees in Ferguson Road who emphasised that trees are felled as a last resort.
Residents all agreed that a couple of the trees that are beyond saving would have to come down as these posed a safety risk and could not be rehabilitated.
“We appealed to the Parks Department to have the other trees correctly trimmed back so that they are not top heavy and also so that they do not interfere with electric cables. We are very happy that the municipality has agreed to cut the remaining trees back, as this was not previously an option,” said resident, Helen Thompson.
She said the Department also gave residents the option of choosing which indigenous trees will be planted to replace the trees which are removed.
“We have the option to purchase the replacement trees, so instead of just getting a small sapling that would be paid for by the municipality, we can buy a larger more established tree,” she said.
She said residents have until the end of May to choose the replacement trees and to also come up with the funds.
“The replacement trees will not be in exactly the same position as the current trees but will be in close proximity depending on various factors such as underground pipes and electricity cables, but I think the municipality realised that we are serious about the trees in our road and care deeply about retaining healthy trees and wanting to try and restore ailing trees. We have a sincere interest in our neighbourhood,” she said.
Jennifer Rampersad from the Parks Department said the Department was pleased with the feedback from the community.
“There was good communication between both parties. We will be waiting for June or July to plant in cooler months and will hold a ceremony for planting and celebrating the new trees. It will be a joint Parks and community initiative. The community can look after the trees thereafter,” she said.
Helen said residents appreciated that the municipality was giving them the chance to decide on replacement trees.
“We are doing research on what trees will be best suited for our fabulous road and are delighted to be engaging with officials from Parks and Recreation and appreciate their time, input and interest in our neighbourhood,” she said.
Source: Berea Mail