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Damaged, bark-stripped trees Painted tree to deter bark stripping

Champion Camphor trees at Cellars Hohenhort A bark-stripped Camphor tree in Newlands
village

A Table Mountain National Park ranger painting a
ring-barked tree in the Newlands Forest
Fortunately, after these giant trees were
painted, they were not attacked again. The
PVA paint allows for sufficient discolouration
to deter bark strippers whilst still allowing the
bark to breathe.
Despite some progress in preventing bark
stripping of indigenous trees in Newlands
Forest, there are negative repercussions to
this action in that it unfortunately leads to
new areas of forest trees being targeted for
their bark. The same Camphor tree wrapped in clear plastic, Fever tree in Claremont partially stripped of bark,
One of the worst incidents of bark stripping after peat mix and other ingredients were applied and the wound wrapped in black plastic. The tree
has occurred in Mitchell’s Plain where majestic was then painted with PVA above and below the
50 year old Norfolk Island Pine trees have wounded area to prevent further bark stripping
been stripped of bark along an entire avenue. by making the bark unviable to sell
These trees were of cultural significance as
they lined one of the main roads into this also be included to feed the mixture. Do
suburb and were planted in the 1970s. They not close the lid tightly to allow oxygen Report illegal activities
have grown successfully into straight, upright into the container. Cows that graze on TMNP appeals to the members of the public
trees despite the harsh winds and poor soils, grass and are not fed from a bag produce to report bark stripping activities to the
but now only small stumps remain. This tree the best manure. Apply the tree paste with emergency number 086 110 6417 or 021
is a newcomer to the list of targeted species. a block brush (used for liming a wall) and 480 7700. Alternatively, send an email to
brush or flick the paste onto the stem of Newlands.Fieldrangers@sanparks.org with
Use of tree paste the tree. the GPS location or description of where bark
Tree paste has been used for many years by All the above ingredients contain good stripping was located.
organic farmers to treat trees which have bacteria, fungi, nematodes and micro
been ring-barked naturally by grazing organisms which release nutrients and Useful websites
animals, particularly elephants. The paste feed the tree via the bark. They also fight www.newlandsforestconservation.com
is made from clay, fine sand and manure off pathogens which can cause wood rot www.treekeeperscapetown.org.za
(cow, sheep or goat). Wet ingredients or other tree infections. Coating the tree www.treedoc.co.za
include compost tea, vermiculture, stem prevents borers and adding neem oil www.constantiabergbulletin.co.za
rainwater and the whey of old milk. to the mix repels pests.
All ingredients are mixed until smooth, The paste promotes vitality of the tree Text and photos supplied by SANParks and
and compost or worm castings can be by feeding the bark; wounded trees can landscape architect Clare Burgess of Treekeepers
added to dampen any smell. Molasses can also be repaired by applying it. Cape Town. n

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