Cape Town: The Recreation and Parks Department of the City of Cape Town has launched a new initiative which is called ‘Adopt a Tree’. The local communities can get involved in expanding green spaces in the city.
The programme encourages city residents and community groups that includes Friends of Parks to plant and care for trees, by actively contributing to the development of Cape Town as an urban forest.
‘Adopt a Tree’ is an initiative that aims to mobile community organisations and residents to plant at least 500 trees across the city during the important planting season that begins with the first winter rains, usually from the month of April.
Recreation and Parks Department Newlands Nursery of the city will guide the selection of appropriate species for various sites, that considered the factors such as space availability, environmental impact and maintenance requirements.
City of Cape Town is encouraging the planting of the national trees of the year for 2025. Namely Milkwood Trees (Sideroxylon Inerme) are supposed to grow, which is a resilient, indigenous species. Here conditions allow to grow, tree selection that is always based on the suitability of the species to the specific planting site.
The nursery grows trees in bag sizes of up to 1000 litres to create lasting visual impact that require mechanised loading and transport. The trees are also available in bag sizes of up to 100 litres for ‘Adopt a Tree’ initiative that ensures easier handling and planting for communities.
Trees are one of the greatest and most important natural resources in green open spaces and their benefits extend beyond their beauty.
However, the urban forest of the City of Cape Town is like others around the world, that faced several challenges in its establishment, and is still facing in its maintenance and survival.
Pressure from development often leads to the loss of the urban forest canopy. Other challenges included water availability and the presence of pests and diseases such as Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer (PSHB) Beetle.
The ‘Adopt a Tree’ initiative plays a vital role in expanding the urban forest canopy and is creating a healthier environment that offers more sustainable, greener spaces for all communities.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Services and Health – Councillor Francine Higham stated that she encouraged the residents to champion this initiative as part of their commitment to expand its urban forest.
Their journey requires collaboration between the City and its residents. Adopting and nurturing trees can strengthen the tree canopy, will improve their environment, beautify and cool the public spaces of Cape Town.
Higham added that it will also empower the communities to take ownership of their green spaces and will contribute to a more sustainable future. Trees are vital to create a healthier and more liveable city and they encourage residents to get involved in this green movement.
Notably, this initiative to ‘Adopt a Tree’ aligns with the broader vision of the City of Cape Town to enhance biodiversity, build climate resilience and promote greener urban spaces. It intends for friends groups and community organisations, as residents can submit applications to their local ward councillor for general tree planting.