Large Wild Seringa Removed After Branch Failure – Aqua Park

Location: Annecke Street, Aqua Park, Tzaneen
Tree species: Wild seringa (Burkea africana)
Primary risk: Severe internal decay, a hollow trunk and further structural failure

An urgent Saturday-morning call revealed that a massive Wild seringa had suffered extensive internal decay, leaving very little sound wood supporting the tree.

The Saturday-Morning Call

We received a call from one of our long-standing and loyal clients after a large section of their Wild seringa broke away and crushed part of the neighbouring property’s wall.

Jaco immediately travelled to the property to inspect the damage, assess the remaining tree and determine whether it could still be preserved safely.

Our Professional Assessment

The inspection revealed advanced decay extending deep into the central wood. A fig had established inside an old cavity many years earlier, with its roots and accumulated organic material occupying part of the hollow section.

The deterioration was so advanced that the strong smell of decomposing wood could be detected while standing beside the tree. The remaining trunk had lost a substantial amount of the sound wood needed to support the weight and movement of its enormous canopy.

Although the fig may have contributed to moisture retention and the deterioration of the already compromised cavity, it could not be identified as the original or sole cause of the decay. The important finding was that the tree’s main structure was no longer dependable.

Why Removal Was Necessary

The Wild seringa is a beautiful indigenous tree, and removal would never be our first recommendation if responsible pruning or another preservation option could make it safe.

In this case, however, a major section had already failed and the extensive internal decay affected the tree’s main supporting structure. Pruning could reduce canopy weight, but it could not restore the missing structural wood inside the trunk.

Leaving the tree standing would have exposed the client’s property, the neighbouring property and anyone passing through the area to an unacceptable risk of further failure.

Work Completed

• The failed section and remaining tree were professionally assessed.
• The surrounding walls and nearby property were considered during the removal plan.
• The remaining tree was dismantled carefully in controlled sections.
• Large sections were lowered and directed away from vulnerable structures.
• The client’s wall, which the original failure had missed by only centimetres, was protected throughout the removal.
• The exposed trunk was inspected as the tree was dismantled, confirming the extent of the hollow and decayed interior.

The Final Result

Once the tree had been dismantled and its interior was fully exposed, the true extent of the decay became clear. The trunk was far more hollow than its outward appearance suggested, with very little dependable wood remaining in critical areas.

Seeing what had been supporting such a massive tree, we were shocked that it had not failed earlier and caused far more serious damage.

We can only thank God that the original failure missed our client’s wall by mere centimetres and that nobody was injured. It was another powerful reminder that there is a greater Hand protecting us, even when we may not immediately realise it.

Hidden decay is not always visible from the outside. Cavities, broken limbs, fungal growth, soft wood, unusual smells and sudden changes in a tree’s structure should never be ignored—particularly when the tree stands close to homes, walls, vehicles or neighbouring properties.

Thank you to our long-standing client for once again trusting Rautenbach Holdings, and well done to our team for completing this difficult removal without causing any further property damage.

Concerned about a hollow, damaged or declining tree on your property?

Do not wait for the next branch to fail. Let us assess whether your tree can be preserved safely or whether professional removal has become necessary.

Let’s talk trees.

Call: 073 074 9716
WhatsApp: 073 074 9716
Alternative number: 079 143 0056
Email: info@jjrautenbach.co.za

Removing danger where others won’t dare.