Trees replanted in Newlands amid beetle infestation

Six trees at a Newlands public square have been removed due to a polyphagous shot hole borer (PSHB) infestation, as the invasive beetle continues to threaten Cape Town’s urban forest and agricultural crops, potentially causing R275 billion in economic damage over the next decade if uncontrolled. 

It is for this reason that Claremont ward councillor, Mikhail Manuel, joined forces with Deputy Mayor and mayco member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Eddie Andrews, along with other departments and agencies, to carry out a tree planting ceremony on Monday in Newlands, where five quercus nigra trees (water oaks) were planted in the Kildare Circle parking area, which are non-reproductive hosts for the PSHB.

Originating in southeast Asia and identified in South Africa in 2017, the PSHB has spread to eight provinces and infests over 100 local tree species.

Identifying infestations is difficult due to the beetle's 2mm size. 

The City of Cape Town reported a PSHB-infested boxelder tree in Newlands in January 2023, advising neighbors to inspect their trees. 

The initial infestation in Somerset West in March 2019 was contained until the Newlands sighting. 

The City said it was thanks to the combined efforts of the Parks and Recreation, Roads and Infrastructure, and the Energy Departments, that the replanting project came to fruition this month. 

 Andrews said the event raised awareness for residents.

 “The combined efforts of three different directorates are a testament to our commitment to managing the spread of PSHB infestations in Cape Town. It is important that we plant new trees to replace those lost to PSHB beetles. I want to encourage all residents to familiarise themselves with the list of trees which are reproductive hosts of the PSHB,” he said. 

“If you suspect an infected tree, please contact our invasive species unit so we can act to mitigate the spread of the beetle.”

Manuel said it was the first replacement of planting of trees infected by the PSHB beetle in the southern suburbs.

“Trees are a significant feature of our area’s character, so we must do everything possible to continuously plant new trees every year. We are grateful for the offers of assistance from our community partners, most notably Newlands CID and TreeKeepers,” he said. 

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“A total of five quercus nigra trees were planted in the Kildare Circle parking area, which are non-reproductive hosts for PSHB.”

Mayco member for Community Services and Health, Francine Higham, said every year they plant thousands of trees across Cape Town as part of our commitment to greening the City and improving urban biodiversity. 

“To date, a total of 2 090 trees (ranging from 20L to 500L in size) have been issued by the Newlands nursery for the 2024/25 financial year, starting from July 1 2024 to May 26 ,” added Higham.

For more information on the PSHB beetle visit: https://www.capetown.gov.za/general/polyphagous-shot-hole-borerof

Cape Argus