Tree Felling Commences at Hohenfels!

[Michael Alexander]

I heard that the felling of the large Blue Gum Tree's has started......

These tree's were planted back in the day when farming was still happening next to the river. Their purpose was to serve as windbreaks.....

The ministry has given a contract to an individual to start cutting down the tree's...

One has to bear in mind that the tree's are not indigenous to Namibia and are therefore deemed as invader bush!

On a personal note, I can understand the this, but logic dictates, that should the area be developed, these tree's might serve a better purpose....

[Bob Molloy]

Gum trees - depending on the species, there are a large variety - on the whole are dangerous. Local lumbermen here refer to them as the widow-maker, for two reasons. As they age, and particularly if over the age of 70, the roots become unstable and the tree can fall without warning. Also when cutting, the high level of sap causes the trunk to twist as it falls, making it a highly dangerous tree to fell.
Perhaps the trees are being removed for any one or all of the reasons given. When I bought my present section (plot of land) I was advised to remove all gum trees no matter how attractive or shadeworthy. I did so and planted indigenous trees, including a few English oaks, which are safer and much more attractive.

[Charles Scheepers]

It's easy to understand. If you did not plant it, own it, or know how it works, then its a free for all the screw it up the best way you see fit. The dude with the lumber contact is smiling. It is his children that will sit in the sun and die of hunger. Thank the Lord the sun is big enough to hunt them all down....
Me 2 cents.