GAUTRAIN'S EFFORTS TO PRESERVE THE HERITAGE OF HATFIELD'S AILING PALM TREES

Concerned about the aesthetic beauty and the cultural heritage of the old palm trees in Hatfield, Gautrain continues its efforts to preserve the trees that are threatened by a deadly fungus infection.

After consulting various specialists who conducted extensive studies it was found that the palm trees along University Road suffer from a Fusarium proliferatum fungus for which there is no known cure. It attacks the root system of the tree from where it spreads to the rest of the tree.

The palm trees were planted in 1922 in Hatfield to commemorate the discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamen in Egypt. For this reason, the palm trees have a cultural heritage value for the Hatfield community. The trees have also become established as part of the character of the adjacent university.

The palm trees on the northern side of University Road have to be moved as the land is earmarked for Gautrain construction. The trees that are healthy enough to be replanted will be removed by crane and loaded onto trucks for a short four metre drive to their new homes across the road.

When the decision was made to relocate the palm trees, Gautrain consulted entomologists to study insects and insect pests found on the trees. Mycologists were also consulted to identify diseases and fungi. These specialists found that most of the old palm trees were dying from the Fusarium proliferatum fungus infection and could not be replanted.

Currently there are nearly 80 palm trees and the feedback obtained from the entomologists and mycologists will be used to determine which of these trees are healthy enough to be replanted. This will be done in the evenings when the roads are quiet and the trees can be replanted without disturbing the community.

Since the fungus infection is spreading it is anticipated that all of the palm trees will eventually die. Following community consultation a plan is being developed is to first replace the palm trees currently being removed with indigenous trees and create an opportunity for these trees to establish themselves as part of their surroundings.

The indigenous trees that will replace the palm trees will either be the Weeping Boer Bean (Scotia brachypetala) or the White Seringa (Kirkia acuminata). These will be planted on the western side of University Road, between Lynnwood and Burnett Roads,

When the remaining palm trees become infected and die, they will also be replaced with the same indigenous species.  The idea is to retain the beauty and natural character of University Road, but to replace the trees with healthy ones.