​The City of Johannesburg is challenging residents to play their part in making their communities green havens by planting indigenous and fruit trees during Arbor Month.

The theme for this year, “Forest restoration, a path to recovery and well-being” is apt with an intent to restore our environment.

Worry not, we got you covered. If you haven’t yet planted your trees, here’s how to get your hands dirty and plant your first of many:
•    REMEMBER: Plant only indigenous trees!
•    First prepare a hole – measure and dig a hole the size of a spade plate down (height) and the same size should be measured for the width of the hole.
•    Fill the hole with water until it is muddy and wet.
•    Remove the tree from the plastic bag or container.
•    Gently tease the roots to avoid damage or breakage.
•    Do not pull the tree by the trunk.
•    Place the tree in the hole.
•    Fill the hole with soil.
•    Insert the stake and press the soil firmly.
•    Make a basin with the soil in order to capture the water to prevent it from running off.
•    Now water your tree.
•    About 20L of safe grey water can be used per week
•    Creating basins around the tree will retain water and prevent run off
•    Use organic mulch and/or the leaves in your garden
•    Instead of trashing your veggie peels, grass cuttings and leaves, mix these with compost from your nearest store for added nutrients.
•    Inspect your tree for pests (insects) and diseases
•    Spray environmentally friendly pesticide to control pests
•    Diseased trees should be cut off
•    Now sit back and watch under a shaded tree, the fruits of you labor grow, for many generations to come.

Since the start of the Arbor celebrations on 1 September, Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ), the champions in greening in the City of Johannesburg, has planted over 2 332 trees in all seven regions and will continue to plant more throughout Arbor Month.

With about 3.2 million street trees in Johannesburg, it is estimated that there could be just under 10 million trees including those on private holdings.

Trees are critical to our well-being, they not only purify the air that we breathe, they remove deadly carbon dioxide in the atmosphere while releasing life-saving oxygen.

Trees play a pivotal role in the prevention of floods, soil erosion and provide a safety net for birdlife. The presence of trees in our neighborhoods enhance the quality of life and create a sense of tranquility in an otherwise bustling metropolitan.

If you really can’t plant a tree this Arbor Month, at least hug and water one.

20/09/2021