Paperbark Thorn Removed for New Macaw Aviaries – Lushof Plots

Location: Premium Road, Lushof Plots, Tzaneen
Tree species: Paperbark thorn (Vachellia sieberiana var. woodii)
Reason for removal: Leaning over the planned position of new macaw aviaries

Careful planning before construction allowed a potentially serious future risk to be removed before valuable birds and newly built aviaries were placed beneath the tree.

Making Space for New Aviaries

A Paperbark thorn, previously known as Acacia sieberiana var. woodii, was removed from one of our client’s properties on Premium Road at the Lushof Plots.

Our client breeds macaws and is preparing the area for the construction of new aviaries. Unfortunately, the tree occupied part of the available space and leaned directly towards the position where the new structures were being planned.

Our Professional Assessment

The tree was not removed simply because it had developed a natural lean. Many leaning trees can remain safely standing when their roots, trunk and supporting structure are healthy.

In this case, however, its position created a long-term conflict with the intended use of the area. If the whole tree or a major branch were ever to fail towards the completed aviaries, it could cause severe structural damage and potentially seriously injure or kill the birds housed inside.

Pruning could reduce the size and weight of the canopy, but it could not change the tree’s position or completely remove the future overhead risk. Removing the tree before construction began was therefore the safest and most practical option.

Why Planning Before Construction Matters

Assessing trees before building begins is far safer and more cost-effective than discovering a serious conflict after walls, roofs, cages or other valuable structures have already been installed.

It also allowed our team to complete the tree removal without having to work directly above finished aviaries or disturb and frighten the macaws.

Work Completed

• The tree’s position, lean and surrounding working area were assessed.
• The footprint of the planned macaw aviaries was considered during the removal plan.
• A controlled removal method was selected to protect the surrounding property.
• The Paperbark thorn was safely removed before construction proceeded.
• The area was left open and ready for the next stage of the aviary project.

The Final Result

With the tree removed, our client can continue constructing the new macaw aviaries without a large tree leaning over the birds and their enclosures.

Removing an indigenous tree is never a decision we take lightly. Our first priority is always to preserve trees wherever it remains safe and practical to do so. However, when a tree’s position creates an unavoidable conflict with people, animals or important structures, responsible removal may become the correct long-term decision.

Thank you to our client for trusting Rautenbach Holdings to prepare the area safely, and well done to our team for another carefully planned and professionally completed project.

Planning new buildings, aviaries, walls or other structures close to established trees?

Let us assess the trees before construction begins. We will advise which trees can be retained, whether professional pruning can create sufficient clearance and when removal is genuinely 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.