Archives January 2026

You may ask, How can i Manage Dangerous Trees? Perhaps you are facing that challenge right now. Managing dangerous trees has become a serious concern across South Africa. Especially in Johannesburg and surrounding suburbs. Increased storms, ageing urban trees, and the rapid spread of the Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer (PSHB). Have made tree management a safety, legal, and environmental priority.

The key to Manage Dangerous Trees

This article provides accurate, practical, and up‑to‑date guidance. To help homeowners, body corporates, businesses. And institutions understand the risks, legal responsibilities, and correct actions to Manage Dangerous Trees. At Last Builders, we believe that informed property owners make safer decisions—and that trust is built on facts.

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Why Dangerous Trees Are a Growing Problem in South Africa?

Urban trees face pressure from:

• Severe storms and heavy rainfall
• Waterlogged and weakened soil
• Aging root systems
• Poor or neglected maintenance
• Invasive pests such as PSHB

In high‑risk suburbs like Killarney, Dunkeld, Saxonwold, Parktown, and Sandton. Mature trees are increasingly failing. Causing damage to homes, boundary walls, vehicles, power lines and underground services.

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Understanding the Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer (PSHB)

The Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer (Euwallacea fornicatus) is an invasive beetle that has caused widespread tree deaths in Johannesburg and other parts of South Africa.

Common PSHB Symptoms People Search For

• Fine white or brown powder (sawdust‑like) on the bark or at the base of the tree
• Sap or gum oozing from small holes
• Tiny, perfectly round entry holes (±1 mm)
• Cracks in the bark or branch dieback
• Sudden leaf yellowing or leaf drop

⚠️ Important: There is currently no registered chemical treatment that can cure a PSHB‑infested tree. Once structural integrity is compromised, removal is often the only safe option.

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Tree Failure During Heavy Rains and Storms

Johannesburg experiences intense summer storms. When soil becomes saturated:

• Roots lose grip and anchoring strength
• Leaning trees may suddenly collapse
• Large branches can snap without warning

Trees that were previously stable may become hazardous overnight. Regular inspections are essential before and during the rainy season.

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High‑Risk Tree Species in Urban Areas

Some tree species are more vulnerable to pests, storms, or structural failure:

• Pin Oak (Quercus palustris): Susceptible to PSHB and branch failure
• Box Elder (Acer negundo): Weak wood structure
• Plane Trees: Heavily affected by PSHB in Johannesburg
• Liquidambar: Root instability in wet soil
• Indigenous trees: Protected but can still become hazardous if diseased or structurally compromised

Tree species selection and ongoing maintenance play a major role in long‑term safety.

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Angel’s Trumpet (Brugmansia): A Hidden Danger

Angel’s Trumpet (Brugmansia) is commonly found in gardens but is highly toxic to humans and animals.

Risks include:

• Poisoning from ingestion of leaves or flowers
• Hallucinations and severe medical reactions
• Danger to children and pets

If removal or pruning is required, it must be done professionally using protective equipment.

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Legal Requirements for Tree Removal in Johannesburg

Many people search for information on whether tree removal is legal—and the answer depends on the situation.

What the Law Says

• Removing a protected or street tree without permission is illegal
• Heavy fines may apply (up to R327,000)
• Approval is required from Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ)

When Removal Is Usually Approved

• PSHB infestation
• Immediate danger to life or property
• Structural failure or storm damage

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How to Report Dangerous or Infested Trees on the public road in South Africa?

Residents can report suspected PSHB or hazardous public trees to:

📧 trees@jhbcityparks.com

Include:

• Clear photos of the tree
• Exact location
• Description of symptoms or risks

Private property owners should arrange a professional inspection before taking action.

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Proper Tree Care and Why Neglect Is Dangerous

Poorly maintained trees can become silent hazards.

Risks of Neglected Trees

• Falling branches
• Uprooting during storms
• Damage to roofs, walls, vehicles, and paving
• Interference with power lines and underground pipes

Essential Tree Care Practices

• Regular pruning and shaping
• Removing dead or diseased branches
• Root zone management
• Early pest detection
• Professional risk assessments

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Why Professional Tree Services Matter

Tree work is dangerous and should never be handled without experience and equipment. Improper cutting can:

• Cause uncontrolled falls
• Damage nearby structures
• Lead to legal liability

Last Builders provides professional tree services including:

• Tree cutting and removal
• Trimming and pruning
• PSHB‑related removals
• Stump removal
• Tree planting and replacement

For government tenders, estates, schools, and commercial sites. Last Builders operates anywhere in South Africa.

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More Than Trees: Complete Property & Municipal Services

Last Builders also offers:

• Luxury landscaping and garden design
• Bush clearance and land preparation
• Interior design services
• Modern staircases and railings
• Bathroom and kitchen design & cabinets
• Modern bedroom design
• Electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and painting
• Structural repairs
• Municipal and large‑scale clean‑up services

We serve residential, commercial, and public sector clients.

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Get Professional Help You Can Trust

If you are unsure whether a tree is dangerous, do not wait for it to fall.

📧 Email your measurements, photos, or drawings to info@lastbuilders.com 📱 WhatsApp us on +27 63 449 9467. Visit www.lastbuilders.com

Last Builders – trusted professionals in tree management, construction, and landscaping across South Africa.

Your safety, compliance, and peace of mind come first. Trading as Deeweb Pty Ltd

The Best Time to Trim Trees Before Storms in Gauteng, South Africa

When homeowners and property managers search for Tree Felling Johannesburg, Bush Clearing Gauteng, or Emergency Tree Cutting Near Me. They are usually facing an urgent safety concern. Therefore, knowing when and how to trim trees—especially during the rainy season—becomes critical.

At Last Builders, we serve Johannesburg, Pretoria, the entire Gauteng province. And, furthermore, we travel beyond Gauteng for large-scale projects. Consequently, we understand local weather patterns, soil conditions, and storm risks better than most contractors.

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Tree Felling Johannesburg: Should You Trim Trees During the Rainy Season?

Although many people believe, tree trimming should wait until winter. Storm preparation actually starts earlier. In fact, the best time to prepare trees is late summer to early autumn. Long before heavy rains and strong winds arrive. As a result, trees have enough time to strengthen naturally.

However, if you are already in the rainy season, then acting quickly—but correctly—is essential. Therefore, the decision to cut or trim must balance immediate safety against long-term tree health.

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When Tree Felling Must Happen Immediately (Emergency Situations)

If a storm is approaching, then safety must come first. For this reason, certain situations require immediate professional tree cutting, regardless of weather conditions.

1. Dead, Diseased, or Broken Branches

First and foremost, dead or damaged branches are ticking time bombs. Consequently, they should be removed immediately because they are highly likely to fall during high winds.

2. Branches Touching Roofs or Power Lines

Likewise, if tree limbs are touching your roof or hanging within 10 metres of power lines. Then urgent action is required. Otherwise, you risk serious structural damage or dangerous electrical hazards.

3. Overgrown, Wind-Catching Canopies

Additionally, thick canopies act like sails during storms. Therefore, selective crown thinning allows wind to pass through safely, reducing the chance of uprooting.

👉 This is where professional Tree Felling in Johannesburg becomes essential. Improper cutting during storms often causes more damage than prevention.

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When You Should NOT Trim Trees (Very Important)

On the other hand, trimming at the wrong time can be extremely dangerous. Therefore, avoid cutting trees if the following conditions exist:

• During heavy rain or strong winds. Because visibility and footing are unsafe
• When soil is saturated. Since unstable ground increases the risk of trees falling unexpectedly
• If a ladder is required. Because wet ladders and trees are a major accident risk

As a result, if any of these conditions apply, you should always wait or call professionals like Last Builders.

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Critical Factors to Consider Before Cutting Trees

Before any tree felling or bush clearing project, several important factors must be assessed. Therefore, rushing without evaluation can lead to long-term damage.

Tree Species Sensitivity

For example, trees such as oaks and elms are especially vulnerable to disease when cut during wet weather. Consequently, incorrect pruning may permanently weaken them.

Wound Healing Risks

Moreover, fresh cuts are 80–100% more susceptible to fungal infections in wet conditions. Therefore, if cutting is unavoidable, ensure at least 3–4 dry days afterward.

Safety Equipment

Finally, if trimming during light rain, proper waterproof, high-grip safety gear is essential. Additionally, manual tools should be used for maximum control.

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Quick Decision Checklist for Tree Felling Gauteng

Situation	Decision
Dead or broken branches	Cut immediately
Branches on roof or power lines	Cut immediately (professional)
Heavy rain & strong wind	Do NOT trim
Waterlogged soil	Do NOT trim
Light rain, no wind	Trim carefully

If uncertainty exists, then calling a certified tree felling company in Johannesburg is always the safest option.

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Why Choose Last Builders for Tree Felling & Bush Clearing in Gauteng?

Because storms are unpredictable, you need a company that responds fast and works safely. Therefore, Last Builders offers:

✔ Professional Tree Felling Johannesburg & Pretoria
✔ Large-scale Bush Clearing Gauteng
✔ Storm-damage prevention & emergency response
✔ Services beyond Gauteng for major projects
✔ Fully equipped, safety-focused teams

As a result, our clients trust us to protect homes, estates, commercial properties, and construction sites.

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More Than Tree Felling – Complete Property Solutions

In addition to tree felling and bush clearing, we also offer:

• Luxury Landscaping
• Modern Interior Design
• Custom Staircases & Railings
• Bathroom Design & Renovation
• Modern Kitchen Cabinets
• Bedroom Wardrobes & Storage Solutions

Therefore, instead of hiring multiple contractors, you can rely on one professional team.

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Contact Last Builders Today

If you’re searching for Tree Felling Johannesburg, Bush Clearing Gauteng, or Storm Preparation Tree Cutting. Then Last Builders is your solution.

📧 Send your measurements: info@lastbuilders.com
📱 WhatsApp: +27 63 449 9467
🌐 Website: www.lastbuilders.com

👉 Act before the next storm — because prevention is always cheaper than repairs.