Tree Keepers Timeline
September 2013
When an avenue of majestic eucalyptus street trees over 70 years-old in Rosmead Avenue, Kenilworth is cut, seemingly without due care or public notice, it gives rise to a letter in the Southern Suburbs Tatler which draws concerned citizens together, that results in the TreeKeepers association being formed to conserve and protect all trees in the urban forest.
July 2014
TreeKeepers intervene and save 60 year old eucalyptus trees at Rosmead Primary School from being cut down.
September 2014
Iconic tree 90+ years old at Newlands swimming pool is severely ‘pruned’ on instruction of pool management. TreeKeepers and City Recreation and Parks stop further damage but the tree eventually dies.
April 2015
TreeKeepers constitution drawn up and signed by 13 original members, becomes a Voluntary Association.
July 2015
TreeKeepers’ members map and record trees in the streets of Harfield and Kenilworth.
April 2016
MOU signed with City Recreation and Parks department creating mutual support partnership for communication and participation of urban forest management.
September 2016
Public launch of TreeKeepers attended by Councillor, City Recreation and Parks officials, members and citizens.
February 2017
Development in Hillwood Road, Claremont halted by TKA where protected yellowwoods were retained but root zone damaged. Plans changed to accommodate root zone.
March 2018
Southern Suburbs Tatler features TreeKeepers in article “NGO speaks for the trees’ emphasising advocacy work the organisation does to conserve the urban forest.
August 2018
TreeKeepers monthly meetings now being held at City Rec & Parks Newlands Forest Nursery; new City Arborist now gives regular reports.
October 2019
TreeKeepers gives input into City’s Tree Policy which will guide the management of the urban forest and in particular street trees. Also input to PSHB borer-beetle treatment.
January 2020
Non-Profit Organisation (NPO) status achieved. Strategic session held for forward planning and projects.
August 2020
TreeKeepers members act to conserve trees in Brommersvlei Road, Constantia also Constantia Village parking area trees.
June 2021
In-depth report on felling along Klaasenbosch and Doordrift Trails of black alder trees. Comment being done on Tokai and Cecilia Forest management process and provincial Biodiversity Act.
April 2021
TreeKeepers responds to call to stop over-pruning of eucalyptus trees in Rondebosch Primary and engages with school on tree management.
Public Benefit Organisation (PBO) status achieved for donations to be tax-deductable.