There was an immediate strong reaction from amongst environmentalists in Louis Trichardt when drastic cutting of the Fever Trees in the Makhado Crossing parking area became evident a week ago, creating the impression that the trees were about to be removed.

In a special informational meeting arranged by the management of Makhado Crossing, it was explained that the lopping of the trees by a professional expert was in fact a necessary protective measure to minimise certain very real dangers posed by the trees and, at the same time, to maximise the shade which they are supposed to provide to clients around the parking area.

Fever Trees, with their characteristic and spectacular yellow-green trunks, are splendid, towering trees usually found with their prominent taproots in the deep soil alongside rivers. When planted elsewhere without special care, they tend to develop a widespread, superficial root system, which can cause damage to paved areas and they are frequently uprooted by strong gusts of wind. Being a member of the Acasia-family, it also produces vicious thorns. All these characteristics can cause problems in a parking area in a business complex, whereas, in its natural state, it is also not an ideal shade tree.

With the lopping of the trees, the idea is to stimulate deep root growth and more dense foliage for shade, while also reducing the height and thus diminishing the possible danger of wind damage.

Management later fixed special information banners to the pallisade fencing around the parking area to explain the action to concerned residents.