No risk of ‘Leany’ falling over, says City

A Norfolk pine leaning to one side at a traffic circle in Recreation Road is healthy and stable according to the City of Cape Town.

The tree, situated near a pump station, and affectionately called “Leany” by the community, was not at risk of falling over as Norfolk pines were naturally inclined to lean, said mayoral committee member for community services and health Patricia van der Ross.

The recreation and parks department had inspected the tree on Thursday last week, she said.

“Even though there is slight lifting of the concrete from the pavement, it has no impact on the tree's stability or health,” she said, adding that similar trees had shown long-term stability, provided their root systems remained undisturbed.

In October 2009, the Echo reported that Leany had “caused some people to flinch in nervous anticipation”.

At the time, Chris Bonthuys, of the City’s parks department, said the tree was well known to him as residents often expressed concern about it after a storm.

He said the Norfolk island pine (Araucaria heterophylla) was indigenous to the Norfolk Islands between Australia and New Zealand and the trees were popular in coastal towns as they grew well in sandy soil and were resistant to the salty air and strong winds.

Ms Van der Ross said the City would continue to monitor the tree and take any necessary steps to maintain its stability if required.